SOOBs in Christchurch: go or whoa?
Abstract
Small owner-operated brothels (SOOBs) are a reality for any city
in New Zealand. They are defined by the Prostitution Reform Act
2003 (PRA) as places where not more than four sex workers work
and where each sex worker retains control over their own earnings
(PRA, 2003). Gathering statistics on these establishments is
nearly impossible due to their discreet nature. Many clients prefer
the inconspicuous environment of a SOOB over the notorious,
well-advertised brothels in the city centre. SOOBs have long been
a controversial planning issue for the Christchurch City Council
(CCC), but perhaps the period 2003-2009 has proved to be the
most contentious.... [Show full abstract]