Regulation Of Massage Businesses Becomes Stricter In Pleasanton

PLEASANTON, CA — An ordinance to curtail illegal activities at massage businesses in Pleasanton was unanimously approved Tuesday by city council and becomes effective in 30 days.

Under the new ordinance, all therapists working in massage businesses within the city will be required to have California Massage Therapy Council certification. The CAMTC was created by the California Legislature, and is a "private nonprofit public benefit corporation" with volunteer board members appointed by California cities, counties, law enforcement, massage schools, the Department of Consumer Affairs, professional massage associations and other stakeholders.

The majority of Pleasanton massage businesses already employ CAMTC-certified technicians, but approximately 20 operations do not, according to the city. For currently permitted Pleasanton businesses who employ non-certified technicians, the city is allowing a grace period through Dec. 31, 2020.

Under the new ordinance, businesses will also be required to maintain a record of client services, including client name; therapist name; date/time and services provided; and amount paid, including tip. The records must be available to police per the ordinance.

Other requirements include only allowing payment for services in a front office cashier area, and businesses must carry a specific level of insurance. Businesses won't be allowed to serve alcohol or have interior neon signs that face outside, such as a window sign, and they will only be allowed to operate between 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and must be completely closed by 11 p.m.

In July 2018, the city put in place an emergency ordinance prohibiting permits for any new massage businesses (or businesses that wanted to expand) in the downtown area. The emergency ordinance was extended in Aug. 2018. The new ordinance passed Tuesday eliminates that prohibition.