ICYMI: Illegal Massage Parlors Targeted in Forsyth Sweep

CUMMING, GA -- At least five Forsyth County massage parlors have been shut down for good after a countywide sweep by sheriff's deputies.

Acting on a new ordinance that went into effect January 1, deputies on Friday went to 15 massage parlors they say have not complied with the law, which puts stricter rules on the parlors.

In total, 18 citations were issued to 10 of the massage parlors and five were "closed and not to reopen," the Forsyth sheriff's office said in a Facebook post.

Some of the other parlors were closed until they can come into compliance with the new ordinance, the post said.

Forsyth County Sheriff Duane K. Piper worked with Forsyth County commissioners to craft the ordinance, which passed in November of last year.

Since then, deputies have gone to each massage parlor, providing them with a copy of the ordinance and giving them a chance to comply.

Under the rules of the new ordinance:

• Every massage parlor must be permitted by the sheriff's office
• A licensed massage therapist must be present at all times when the business is open
• Employees must be fully clothed and not wearing "inappropriate clothing"
• Massage parlors may only be open from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
• Beds and mattresses are not allowed in the parlors
• Store front windows must not be blocked or covered
• Customers are required to enter and exit only through the front door

(Photos courtesy Forsyth County Sheriff's office)