Canada City Proposes Adult Crackdown

BARRIE, Ontario — City officials are considering adopting a wide-ranging law that would impose fines for adult entertainment workers who violate the city's licensing laws.

A list of 119 offenses relating to behavior, record-keeping and complying with city licensing regulations for the sex industry is also part of the law. Fines for strip clubs and escort services — and their workers — in violation of the new ordinances would range from $150-$400.

"We don't issue an abundance of fines, but it's a tool available to our officers," said Brenda Russell, Barrie's manager of municipal law and prosecution. Law enforcement officials also have the choice of filing criminal charges instead of imposing fines. People who have been charged can choose to be tried in court.

Barrie has four licensed escort agencies, 11 licensed escort drivers and 15 licensed escorts. Escort agencies in the city have annual licensing fees of $3,000, and escorts and drivers have an annual license fee of $150. The fees are to help city officials ensure that escorts are 18 or older, and that their drivers have safe driving records and don't have criminal records.

A woman who owns a licensed escort agency in Barrie told the Barrie Examiner that most of the city's escort services aren't licensed and fines are rarely levied. She estimated that there are about 10 escort services in the city, adding that higher fees and more categories for offenses will only drive more escort agencies underground and keep them unlicensed.

Barrie Mayor Dave Aspden said regulating the sex industry is important, but agreed that raising the penalties may not lead to more licenses.

"There's always a possibility you will drive business underground in certain categories," he said. "But the fines are stiffer."

The application to set new fines now goes to the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General.

Barrie is located 70 miles north of Toronto and has a population of around 100,000.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

UK Lawmaker Calls for Appointment of 'Porn Minister'

Baroness Gabrielle Bertin, the Conservative member of Parliament who recently convened a new anti-pornography task force, is calling for the appointment of a “minister for porn,” according to British news outlet The Guardian.

FSC Toasts Jeffrey Douglas for 30 Years of Service

n the very same evening when the adult industry was hit hard by the Supreme Court ruling supporting Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181, members of the Free Speech Coalition board, staff and supporters gathered to celebrate Jeffrey Douglas’ 30 years as board chair — a fitting reflection of his reputation as an eternal optimist.

FSC: Age-Verification Laws Go Into Effect South Dakota, Georgia, Wyoming on July 1

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has published a statement regarding new age verification laws set to go into effect tomorrow in South Dakota, Georgia, and Wyoming.

FSC Responds to Supreme Court Decision on Texas AV Law

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has released a statement responding to last week's Supreme Court decision on FSC v. Paxton, the Texas age verification law.

Le Wand's 'Petite' Highlighted in NY Magazine Article

Le Wand’s Petite massage wand has been recognized in NY Magazine's The Strategist round-up of top-rated massagers.

UPDATED: Supreme Court Rules Against Adult Industry in Pivotal Texas AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday issued its decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, striking a blow against the online adult industry by ruling in support of Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

North Carolina Passes Extreme Bill Targeting Adult Sites

The North Carolina state legislature this week ratified a bill that would impose new regulations that industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

Orion Debuts 'Gyro' Stroker From You2Toys Line

Orion Wholesale has introduced the You2Toys Gyro stroker.

Share Satisfaction Debuts 'Evolve Penis Pump' Collection

Wellness brand Share Satisfaction has introduced its new Evolve Penis Pump line.

ULoversDoll Debuts 'Isabella' Love Doll

ULoversDoll has added Isabella to its Top-Cydoll collection.

Show More