A brothel is a place where people go for sexual services, usually run by someone other than the people providing them. In England and Wales, keeping or managing one is a criminal offence, although selling sex in private is not.
What it means in law
The offence is keeping, managing, or helping to manage a brothel, under section 33A of the Sexual Offences Act 1956, with a maximum sentence of seven years. The Crown Prosecution Service says a brothel is likely to need two or more people on the same premises at the same time for prostitution. One person working alone from a flat is not running one.
The offence is aimed at the person who keeps or manages the premises, not at the people working there. Working in a brothel is not in itself an offence for the worker unless they also help to run it.
Brothel, incall flat and massage parlour
- Brothel. Premises used by two or more people at once for sexual services, usually with a manager.
- An escort incall. One person working alone from her own address. This is lawful. Incall and outcall explains the difference.
- Massage premises. Licensed by the local council, and the licence conditions almost always rule out sexual services on site. Happy ending massage covers where the line sits.
Why two people in one flat is a problem
Two escorts who share a flat can find it counts as a brothel, which is one reason many pairs work by outcall, at a hotel. The duo guide covers the practical side, and Is escorting legal in the UK? sets out the rule in full.
Brothels around the world
Licensed brothels are legal in the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Greece, Turkey and rural parts of Nevada, among other places. In England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland there are no licensed brothels. Where is prostitution legal? compares the countries.
Looking for a brothel nearby
There is no lawful, licensed brothel to find in the UK, and premises advertised as one are operating unlawfully. They are also where exploitation is most likely to be hidden. If you meet someone who seems frightened, controlled or underage, leave and report it: call 999 in an emergency, or the Modern Slavery and Exploitation Helpline on 08000 121 700. Safety and help has the contacts.