MPIKA Town Council has warned lodge and guest house owners in the district against turning their facilities into brothels.
Council public relations officer Mushota Mpundu said the local authority is concerned that some owners are engaging in the illegal practice.
Mr Mpundu, in a statement, said the council will not hesitate to close down any facilities found wanting.
He said council secretary Samuel Musenga recently engaged lodge and guest house owners, community members and bar attendants on the matter.
Mr Musenga told the meeting that transforming lodges and guest houses into brothels is against the law.
“As a local authority, we have noted with concern that some lodge and guest house owners are transforming their facilities into brothels. As a council, we will not hesitate to shut down any such facilities found wanting because this is illegal,” Mr Musenga said.
He warned owners to stop the practice immediately, adding that the council will revoke licences and take legal action against offenders.
-ZDM