Since July 1, escorts and massage parlours operating in Saskatoon have needed business licences — but police say they're giving them a grace period.

The city isn't issuing licences yet because city council still has to vote on a zoning bylaw for adult services.

The proposed bylaw would set rules on where such businesses can be located.

Police are contacting businesses and posting ads online to tell them about the bylaw.

It's about making sure workers are old enough and not being forced into the business," Police Chief Clive Weighill said.

"Like I say, to have a very private conversation to try to let them feel a bit more comfortable with us. That we're really there trying to help them. We're not there trying to prosecute them," Weighill said.

City officials say escorts and massage parlours are supposed to send their applications in, but so far no one has done so.