Paris Satine - licensee of the Scarlet Harem, renamed after a legal challenge by Moulin Rouge in France 03/10/03. Photo Chris McCormack / Sunshine Coast Daily

Paris Satine - licensee of the Scarlet Harem, renamed after a legal challenge by Moulin Rouge in France 03/10/03. Photo Chris McCormack / Sunshine Coast Daily Chris McCormack

A BROTHEL is showing other businesses how to do it - provide disability access on the Sunshine Coast, that is.

Scarlet Harem, the Coast's first legal brothel, will receive an award next week from the Sunshine Coast Access Advisory Network for going above and beyond in providing accessibility and customer service.

Vision Australia, at Maroochydore, will also be up for the award.

SCAAN spokeswoman Kay Maclean said businesses with outstanding accessibility were nominated by the public and the business was marked against a checklist to see how it qualified.

Scarlet Harem ticked all the right boxes.

"They are truly a service business," Ms Maclean said.

"They treat it very seriously, and assist you with whatever you need to get whatever service you want.

"Not many businesses on the Coast can say that."

Ms Maclean urged other businesses to get behind a move to make the Sunshine Coast the "most accessible place in the country".

"They (Scarlet Harem) will take you from the door and whatever you request will help do it, whatever method is needed to achieve your goal."

She said there had been some debate about whether a brothel could qualify for an award.

But it was decided "it is a legal business and it's needed - and that's what the award is about".

Ms Maclean said many businesses merely provided "tokenism" when it came to catering to those with a disability.

"It is not just about meeting a building standard, it is about building your business to open doors to all people so anyone can go in.

"The Sunshine Coast can lead the way in this, nowhere else is doing it right.''

SCAAN has identified key problem areas for disability access on the Sunshine Coast.

They include difficult access at Nambour General Hospital.

Scarlet Harem owner Paris Satine was not available for comment.

BAD DISABILITY ACCESS AREAS:

La Promenade, Tay Ave, Caloundra: Non-compliant steps upper level to lower level public footpath

Centaur and Bullcock Sts Caloundra: Split level footpath no safety rail

Maud St, Maroochydore: Non-compliant disability parking spot

Nambour Hospital: Steep incline at main entrance to hospital Signage required regarding access of lift through café entrance near main entrance

River Esplanade, Mooloolaba: No suitable crossing for safe access in this busy part of Mooloolaba

Caloundra Bus Interchange: A variety of access issues in this major interchange make it difficult for all people to use this facility

Network Video Aerodrome Road Maroochydore: Dangerous footpath

Liberty swing at Cottontree park: There is no sail over this purpose-built swing for people with a disability to provide shade