ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — At the regular council meeting on Monday, St. John’s Coun. Maggie Burton gave notice that at next week’s meeting she will present a motion to end the moratorium on massage parlours in the city.
“We have no jurisdictional ability in the City of St. John’s to regulate the business operations of anybody, really. We deal in zoning and siting requirements, and where you can put something — not what we can do when you’re inside,” Burton said.
The moratorium has been in place for four years.
It was a moratorium on new applications for massage parlours. Those that were already in existence at the time were allowed to continue operation.
“It was supposed to be temporary. I feel that this is long enough,” Burton said.
“A great amount of public debate has taken place on this issue in the last four years, and I’m ready to move on. So, I will be trying to advocate to lift the ban as of next week at council, and I hope I get my colleagues to agree.”
Burton said it was a development application-related moratorium pending review of the issue.
Council reviewed its development regulations and adopted them in principle in the spring, but is waiting to hear back from the province to fully release the regulations.
“There’s been a few things that have been in limbo during that period, and this is one of them. So, it was a moratorium pending review, but, ultimately, it’s time to move on now.”
