The Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly on June 6 passed an ordinance to restrict so-called telephone clubs, which introduce customers to dates via the telephone, in an effort to stem the practice of teenage prostitution euphemistically called "enjo kosai," or compensated dates.

The ordinance, to go into effect Aug. 13, will oblige all telephone clubs to register themselves with local police if they are to continue their businesses. Under the ordinance, most telephone clubs that provide clients with private rooms to place their calls will be evicted from their current locations, according to the metropolitan government.

The ordinance prohibits such clubs from being located in certain law-designated housing districts and in areas within 200 meters of public facilities, such as schools, library and hospitals. In Shibuya Ward, all such clubs are located in areas to be prohibited under the bill. In Shinjuku Ward, 73.7 percent will be forced to move as will 59.6 percent in Ikebukuro, according to the metropolitan police.