FULLERTON

The City Council voted 4-0 on Tuesday to crack down on prostitution by establishing more stringent requirements to become a masseuse. Addressing a recent increase in illegal activity at local massage parlors, the council voted to increase the number of hours of training required to work as a masseuse in the city. But unlike earlier proposals, the new ordinance accommodates establishments now operating under the law by giving them more time to meet the new requirements.

Since the beginning of the year, the city has been trying to develop a policy that would make it tougher for illicit massage parlors to operate in Fullerton.

The new ordinance, which will take effect Aug. 17, will require all new masseuses to pass written and practical tests and to complete 500 hours of certified training--up 200 hours from those now required.

Councilman Chris Norby was absent from Tuesday’s vote.