Officials in Eau Claire are considering an adult escort license as a way to combat prostitution.

The Eau Claire City Council is set to consider an ordinance next month that would require escorts to register and get a license from the city before conducting business.

Doug Hoffer, an assistant city attorney, said the proposal is in response to increased online ads for prostitutes posing as escorts. He said a licensing system would be an easier way to catch or deter prostitution than undercover sting operations.

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"By having this ordinance we can look at those advertisements and it’s easier for the Police Department to make contact with them," Hoffer said. "The investigation can begin right there."

Fines of up to $5,000 could be levied against unlicensed escorts or those soliciting them, Hoffer said.

Cities including Milwaukee, Green Bay, Wausau and La Crosse all have similar escort licensing requirements. According to clerks in those cities, no licenses have ever been granted.