Role of the PLA

The PLA decides whether to grant brothel licences and managers’ certificates. In addition, the Prostitution Act 1999 establishes that the PLA is responsible for:

• monitoring the provision of prostitution through licensed brothels
• conducting disciplinary inquiries in relation to licensees and approved managers
• disciplining licensees and managers
• receiving complaints about prostitution
• liaising with the police service and other agencies with a view to assisting them
• collecting fees under the Prostitution Act
• informing relevant government departments and agencies about possible offences that are detected while carrying out its functions
• advising the Minister about prostitution related programs
• advising the Minister about the development of codes of practice for licensed brothels
• approving advertising for prostitution
• maintaining a licence and certificate register.
• raising awareness in prostitutes, judical officers, police, community workers and the community, of issues about prostitution.

The PLA meets at least once a month, and at other times as necessary.