Item - 2012.LS14.3

Tracking Status

This item was considered by Licensing and Standards Committee on June 28, 2012. The Licensing and Standards Committee has referred this item to an official or other body without making a decision. Consult the text of the decision for further information on the referral.

LS14.3 - Request for a Staff Report to increase and ensure effective prosecution of charges against body rub, holistic and adult entertainment establishments - Motion MM23.29 referred by City Council on May 8 and 9, 2012

Decision Type:: ACTION

Status:: Referred

Wards:: All

Committee Decision

The Licensing and Standards Committee:

1. Referred the item to the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards, and the City Solicitor, for a joint report to the Licensing and Standards Committee on November 16, 2012.

2. Requested the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards, to meet with the Licensing and Standards Problem Property Sub-Committee to explore pro-active enforcement at locations that have become fronts for prostitution and human trafficking, drugs, after hours booze cans and prostitution within the Etobicoke/York District.

Origin

(May 14, 2012) Member Motion from Councillor Peter Milczyn, seconded by Councillor Cesar Palacio

Summary

The City's Municipal Licensing and Standards Division has the responsibility to inspect

establishments throughout the City for compliance with our Licensing and Property Standards By-laws. When charges are laid the Prosecutions Division of Legal Services prosecute them. This Division is responsible for a wide variety of charges laid by City staff and the Police under City by-laws and provincial statutes enforced by the City.

There is increasing frustration that the prosecution of offences by these types of establishments is lax and is not given greater priority over less serious offences. The effective prosecution of establishments that may be fronts for prostitution, human trafficking, drugs, after hours drinking, and other serious crimes is important due to the effect on the neighbourhood quality of life that they impact.

Other Ontario municipalities had similar difficulty prosecuting problem establishments and

turned to outside special prosecutors to achieve higher rates of conviction.

(Submitted to City Council on May 8 and 9, 2012 as MM23.29)

Background Information

(May 14, 2012) Member Motion from City Council on a Request for a Staff Report to increase and ensure effective prosecution of charges against body rub, holistic and adult entertainment establishments
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2012/ls/bgrd/backgroundfile-47336.pdf

Communications

(June 26, 2012) Letter from Stephen Fagyas, Commercial Focus Advisory Services Inc. (LS.New.LS14.3.1)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2012/ls/comm/communicationfile-30934.pdf

Speakers

Tim Lambrinos, Executive Director, Adult Entertainment Association of Canada (AEAC)
Stephen I. Fagyas, Commercial Focus Advisory Services Inc., on behalf of the Adult Entertainment Association of Canada (Submission Filed)
Councillor Peter Milczyn

Motions

2 - Motion to Refer Item moved by Councillor Cesar Palacio (Carried)

That the Licensing and Standards Committee request the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards, to meet with the Licensing and Standards Problem Property Sub-Committee to explore pro-active enforcement at locations that have become fronts for prostitution and human trafficking, drugs, after hours booze cans and prostitution within the Etobicoke/York District.

1 - Motion to Refer Item moved by Councillor Chin Lee (Carried)

That the item be referred to the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards and the City Solicitor, for a joint report to the Licensing and Standards Committee on November 16, 2012.