Massage Therapy Applicants in Morton Grove Will Be Fingerprinted, Photographed

MORTON GROVE, IL - The village of Morton Grove is revamping the way it regulates massage therapy businesses although officials say nothing illegal has been suspected from the ones already operating in the village.

Beginning now, applicants desiring to open a massage therapy business in the village must be fingerprinted and photographed, according to a Morton Grove Champion report. They will also be charged an annual application fee.

"The regulation of massage establishments is a matter of growing importance to public health safety and the welfare of residents," Trustee Bill Grear said. "And is intended to prevent the spread of diseases through unsanitary practices and...abate nuisances and unlawful activity."

A masseuse licensed by the state of Illinois must also be on site, an ordinance recently adopted unanimously by the village board states. The initial application fee will be $1,000 and $500 must also be paid by the applicant to cover the cost of the photographing and fingerprinting.

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