Prostitution is legal in Belize , but the buying of sexual services is not. Prostitution is widespread and takes place on the streets and in brothels, bars, nightclubs and hotels. Although denied by the government, [7] the country is a destination for sex tourism. Whilst prostitution is legal, [13] [14] the buying of sexual services is not. Related activities such as procuring another person to work as a prostitute , providing premises for prostitution and living off the earnings of prostitution are illegal.
The Summary Jurisdiction Offences Act Chapter 98 prohibits "common prostitutes" women who have previously received a police warning from soliciting in a street or public place for the purpose of prostitution.
The laws treat prostitution offences as nuisances and penalties are small. The Immigration laws prohibit the entry into the country of prostitutes or any person living off the proceeds of prostitution. The laws are commonly not enforced, [13] [15] and law enforcement officials are often corrupt. Although illegal, brothels are widespread in the country. In June , the country's best known brothel, Raul's Rose Garden, was burnt down, it had first opened in February Before their withdrawal in the s, the establishment was popular with British soldiers.
Some hotels operate a "ficha" system. Prostitutes rent rooms in the hotel and attract clients in the bar; the women are paid commission on the drinks brought by the clients before going to the rooms. The rent of the room is taken out of the commission; these hotels are often connected to nightclubs or go-go bars. To try and combat the spread of STIs , including HIV , and by inter-governmental agreement, a number of brothels were set up for the exclusive use of British troops stationed in the country; [19] [20] [21] the prostitutes, many from Guatemala , [21] had to carry a photo identification card [21] and undergo weekly health checks.
Belize is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children subjected to sex trafficking; the UN Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons reported family members facilitate the sex trafficking of Belizean women and girls.
