Brothel owner pleased but wary about changes

La Maison. Photo ODT Files
La Maison. Photo ODT Files
The owner of a Dunedin brothel is sceptical whether proposed changes will deter boy racers from terrorising clients and staff.

Earlier this week, Dunedin City Council staff and police met to discuss the ongoing problem, which has exasperated the owner of La Maison.

Director Teena Ingersoll said boy racers parked in the DCC car park near the Queens Garden brothel every weekend, drinking, defecating and urinating around the building and often abusing staff and clients,.

Ms Ingersoll said she was pleased to see the issue being addressed but did not believe the solutions proposed would solve the "out of control" behaviour.

The changes include a liquor ban sign in the area, a notice reminding motorists unauthorised vehicles would be towed, and the Queens Garden public toilet being locked at night.

While it was pleasing to see the council had acted on some of her concerns, she was disappointed the car park was not chained off at nights.

"Unless it is chained, it won't work. These kids will come regardless. They are not scared of police, they are not scared of what is written in the ODT, and they are not scared of council."

Kevin Thompson, of the DCC, said in addition to locking the toilets between 11pm and 5am, the council was reviewing the lighting of the Queens Garden and Dowling St car parks.

The liquor ban signs would make enforcement easier for police, who had stepped up patrols in recent weeks.

Mr Thompson said the boy racers appeared to be largely from outside the area, and might not be aware of the city's liquor ban.

- hamish.mcneilly@odt.co.nz

 

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