Christchurch City Council has taken a step toward restricting the location of large brothels to commercial areas of the city.
Councillors voted unanimously on Thursday to consult the public on a proposed by-law.
The council says it will hold hearings if necessary before making a final decision in September.
Small owner-operated brothels will still be allowed to set up anywhere in the city.
Mayor Bob Parker says the destruction of the CBD means many large brothels may be considering setting up in the suburbs and it was felt their locations should be restricted, along with the signs advertising their services.
