INNALOO residents say they are outraged an unregistered bikini massage parlour is operating in a residential area until the early hours of the morning.
Scarborough MLA Liza Harvey said she had received several calls from concerned residents complaining of anti-social behaviour and the inappropriate location of the Bikini Girls massage parlour on Muriel Avenue.
The manager of the Innaloo business, who wanted to be known only as Janet, said the company had done nothing wrong and did not mean to offend anyone in the community.
A Department of Commerce spokesman said although the business name was registered, the Innaloo premises, which is advertised on a promotional flyer as being in Osborne Park, had not been registered with the DOC.
Mrs Harvey said she was “shocked” when told about the business. “It’s a totally inappropriate business for a suburban street,” she said.
“There’s a lot of disruption to neighbouring houses and businesses, and the people of the community are having to put up with the shenanigans associated with a business like that.
“It’s just not fitting or in keeping with the neighbourhood; I’m absolutely flabbergasted that it’s there.”
Mrs Harvey said she had received complaints about street drinking and unruly behaviour outside the premises as late as 2am.
Residents were also worried about women handing out advertising pamphlets near shops and schools in the area, she said.
The manager said that employees did not appear in their bikinis outside of the business.
“It’s quiet and discreet – you can hardly even tell it’s there, and the girls never go outside in their bikinis,” she said.
“It’s a legitimate business, and it’s completely non-sexual.
“If we’re offending anybody at all, we definitely don’t mean to be.”
City of Stirling Mayor David Boothman said the business, which has been open since April, was operating without council approval.
He said the property owner had been advised the current activity was unauthorised and was required to close in eight days if it did not provide a retrospective application.
Inspector Craig Lockhart, from West Metropolitan Police, said police had not received any official complaints but were continuing to monitor the area closely.
“Stirling police have got it as one of their hot spot areas and they will monitor anti-social behaviour, in particular street drinking, and take appropriate action where necessary,” he said.