How shop owners got round law to be fronts for prostition

THANKS to Edinburgh's liberal policy on saunas the number operating in the capital more than doubled, from 12 to 27 between 1990 and 2000.

- NORMAN SILVESTER

The saunas also enjoyed public support with a 1995 poll of Edinburgh residents finding 85 per cent backed them remaining open.

They faced their first legal challenge in 2002 from campaigners claiming they were a front for prostitution.

Objections were lodged against applications by 19 premises to renew their licences.