| | Published February 26th, 2014
| Regulating Massage Parlors Successful
| | By Cathy Tyson | | |
It's been over a year and a half since the city of Lafayette adopted an ordinance that regulated massage establishments, in response to some arrests, suspicious behavior and citizens' concerns. Businesses had 30 days to submit documentation after Ordinance 606 was adopted on May 29, 2012 or face penalties.
"All seem to be complying," said Chief of Police Eric Christensen. "None have left because of registration, but the wild times are certainly over."
The new rules require all massage therapists and practitioners operating within Lafayette to be state-certified and forces all massage businesses to register with the city and post their certificates of registration in visible locations. Existing businesses that are licensed for therapy like chiropractors, orthopedists, and physical therapists are specifically exempted.
A quick check with the police department revealed smooth sailing since implementation for the 16 massage establishments, spas and therapeutic centers currently operating within city limits. All have filled out the appropriate application for certification, and police have verified every business license applicant and their employees.
The ordinance calls for each employee to have a California Massage Therapy Council number. Although Lamorinda Weekly was unable to review the confidential applications, "We check everyone that applies," confirmed community services officer Cathy Surges-Moscato.
Presumably employees come and go, like in any other business - the new regulations are set up to address turnover; applicants must submit new employee names and are required to re-apply on an annual basis and their certification is reverified, said Surges-Moscato.
Additionally, certain minimum health and safety standards are spelled out and contact information for business owners must be provided to police. Originally the city's goal was not to prohibit legitimate practitioners, but to keep track of the massage businesses in town. Prior to the ordinance, massage parlors fell into the "personal services category" that were permitted to operate downtown, similar to nail or hair salons.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA