NEW alcohol licensing laws have led a Bournemouth brothel to open 24 hours a day, it is claimed.

Bournemouth East MP Tobias Ellwood has hit out at the "unwelcome" development after brothel Bournemouth Blue said it was opening longer to meet demand from customers spilling out of pubs and clubs.

Mr Ellwood said: "This is a very unwelcome side-effect of 24-hour drinking. Bournemouth is a family resort and this is taking us in the wrong direction. It should be stopped."

A receptionist at the brothel at Drummond Road, Boscombe, told the BBC recently: "You'll get the people who come from the pub about midnight and then you'll get the people from the clubs from four onwards - that's why we're open right though.

"It's quiet, then all of a sudden at four or five in the morning we get groups of people coming in, so obviously it's worth staying open."

According to staff more than 20 women work at the brothel, with up to 10 on site at a time in three shifts a day.

Since the nationwide change in the licensing laws, 79 bars, clubs, hotels and other premises in Bournemouth have been able to serve alcohol 24 hours a day,.

The actual number opening throughout the night is very low, with many choosing to extend their opening time by one or two hours.

Detective Superintendent Phil James, of Dorset Police, said: "There are a range of measures both criminal and civil to deal with prostitution.

"Dorset Police's priority is on disrupting the sex industry where it involves 'sexual exploitation'."

He said the force would focus on young people involved in prostitution, which is child abuse, trafficking of women from abroad and organised criminality and prostitution.

He added: "Street prostitution and kerb crawling is also a significant concern to local communities - it's antisocial and will not be tolerated. This does not mean to say that brothels will be ignored.

"During recent months two warrants have been executed on brothels within Dorset and the premises closed.

"It would be improper to discuss particular brothels, but in response to the question on any correlation between the sex industry and licensing hours, it would appear obvious that this is not a nine-to-five occupation and the purchase of alcohol may reduce the inhibitions of their clientele."

It is currently illegal for more than one woman to sell sex from an address, with a maximum 14-year sentence for brothel-keeping or living off immoral earnings.

A shake-up of the laws around prostitution unveiled this month by Home Office minister Fiona Mactaggart could legalise brothels with up to two women and a maid.

When the Daily Echo called Bournemouth Blue bosses, a member of staff said: "No comment."

First published: February 1, 2006