Pawtucket adopts spa requirements targeting prostitution

By The Associated Press 

news@abc6.com

PAWTUCKET, R.I. (AP) _ The Pawtucket City Council has adopted an ordinance aimed at preventing prostitution at spas.
        
The council approved the new ordinance Wednesday night in a vote that overrode a veto by Mayor Donald Grebien. 

The mayor said he was concerned the law could lead spa owners to sue the city.
        
The ordinance requires licenses and background checks on all employees and sets standards for spas. It targets spas that are suspected of being brothels and trafficking women.
        
Dozens of spas have closed after Providence, Central Falls, Cranston and Coventry adopted similar ordinances in the last year.
        
Grebien says he took the advice of City Solicitor Frank Milos in vetoing the ordinance. 

Milos doesn't believe the city can license businesses without the General Assembly approving legislation granting that authority.

(c) The Associated Press / WLNE-TV 2015