Advocates: Businesses not complying with new sex trafficking law

ATLANTA — Local advocates are monitoring local adult establishments, hotels, and bus stations to make sure they are in compliance with a new Georgia law, which requires them to post a sign with a toll free number where victims of sex trafficking can get help.

At strip clubs and other late night establishments young girls are often trafficked for sex, according to advocates.

“If you are victim of human trafficking there is help, you can dial this 1-800 number,” said Michelle Arrington, who is working with her sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha and Georgia Woman for a Change to monitor establishments to make sure they are compliance with the new law.

When the group visited adult establishments along Cheshire Bridge Road in Northeast Atlanta on Wednesday they did not find any with posted signs as required by law.

“We found dancers and no notices of the information,” said Nicole Adams, a volunteer.

“They didn’t have any signs posted and we were in the lobby area where it should be highly visible and it was not there,” said Marilyn Arrington, another volunteer.

“We checked the bars. There are multiple bars. We didn’t see any notices at any of the bars where it especially needs to be posted,” said volunteer Tamika Stubbs.

“It is extremely disappointing. We think that Atlanta can do better and private businesses that are making a lot of money on adult entertainment have a responsibility to ensure there is no human trafficking on their premises,” said Stephanie Davis, with Georgia Woman for a Change.

Davis said violators will be reported to the GBI and will receive a warning. If they remain out of compliance, they could face a $5,000 fine.

WSBTV