EDINBURGH is to abandon its 30-year tolerance policy over the city's alleged brothel-keeping, raising concerns that saunas will be forced to close.

Edinburgh City Council lawyers are recommending it withdraws from the current, unique Scottish policy of licensing saunas after a drive by the country's newly formed single police force to clamp down on such premises.

The local authority is calling on the public to have their say in an unprecedented consultation over the plans that will be debated at the city chambers on Friday.

However, the organisation Scot Pep, which helps support sex workers, warned that some saunas may now find themselves at the centre of raids by officials from trading standards and public health officials, leaving them vulnerable.

A spokesperson said: "The council proposals will mean these establishments fall under the enforcement responsibilities of trading standards and public health.

"It remains to be seen how the council's stated intention to work with partner agencies to ensure the health, safety and good working conditions of the people working in the saunas will happen in practice.

"Raids drive an enormous wedge between sex workers and services including law enforcement, meaning they feel less safe in reporting abuses or violence perpetrated against them and are less likely to access sexual health and support services."

Highlands and Islands Labour MSP Rhoda Grant, who has campaigned to make it illegal for people to buy sex, said: "I can understand why the council would do that.

"Their problem is that they are licensing something that is illegal. The trouble is that it is quite obvious what is going on."

She added that support systems should be put in place if saunas are forced to close.

She said: "You can't just suddenly abandon people. It's not simply a case of just closing the door."

Police Scotland's Operation Windermere led to raids by 150 police officers in the city's 13 saunas and half have had their licences suspended following the action.

The clampdown has led to a court case involving sauna owners challenging the council rejection of licences, while separately one resident has also taken the council to court over its policy.

A senior council source said: "It's a case of a no-win situation. They've been taken to court by the saunas and taken to court by a resident, and they are trying to defend both spectrums of the argument.

"Is the policy still fit for purpose? There are at least 200 women allegedly working from home in the city and all people have to do is go on the internet and book."

The ongoing police action has led to a number of charges including allegations of brothel-keeping.

Lothians independent MSP Margo MacDonald, who has campaigned to keep saunas open in the city, said: "I hope this is not the council just giving up.

"I think that would be a less safe way of dealing with the possibility of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

"I cannot say that I approve of the saunas. I don't. But if they are there and they are well run, to remove them is taking away a safety net.

"The worst-case scenario is it becomes uncontrolled and that is when people are being exploited. It will be unregulated, ungoverned and will go underground."

Superintendent Matt Richards, of Police Scotland, said: "We are aware of the City of Edinburgh's proposal, which is intended to go out for consultation.

"The responsibility for licensing certain businesses in Edinburgh is a matter for the council.

"Police Scotland will continue to inspect all premises granted a licence, and as always we will work actively with our health service, local authority and third-sector partners to maximise public safety and harm reduction."

Edinburgh's so-called "blind-eye" policy was formed in the 1980s as a result of the threat of HIV and Aids in the city but it is said to be "no longer fit for purpose".

The council unveiled the plan after months of legal wrangling over the saunas and their status and council papers say its current stance represents a "reputational and financial risk".