Township Places New Restrictions on Massage Parlors

The Township Council unanimously passed an ordinance last night that imposes tight new restrictions on massage parlors located within the township.

The 16-page ordinance, prepared by Township Attorney Thomas Scrivo, is intended to "insure the health and safety" of massage patrons and practitioners, and include a host of new requirements governing operation of such businesses, as well as empowering the Health Department to make regular inspections, and take action if violations are discovered.

Township Manager Thomas Tucci said the new guidelines address health and safety concerns, and could "act as a deterrant" for unsavory activities including prostitution. However, Police Chief Richard Vanderstreet said no such complaints have ever been lodged against the massage businesses currently operating in the township.

Massage parlors in the township will now be required to submit a detailed application, including the names, addresses and emergency contact numbers for all on-site massage practitioners and managers. Applicants for new massage businesses must provide the same information, as well as written proof of age, height, weight, color of hair and eyes and gender, and two front-facing portrait photographs taken within 30 days of the application. They also must disclose any criminal history, and consent to have fingerprints taken for a background check.

Massage businesses will also be required to pay annual fees to the township per licensed massage practitioner on the staff, and keep a detailed appointment book with the names of each and every patron, along with the date, time and description of service provided.

New requirements for the buildings themselves include mostly sanitary practices such as keeping massage tables disinfected, keeping oils and soiled linens in covered containers and using a fresh towel for each patron.

Many of the regulations in the ordinance work in tandem with the Massage and Bodywork Therapist Licensing Act, the state law governing massage parlors. The ordinance spells out specific restrictions on sexual activity.

"It shall be unlawful for any person..in a massage establishment to place his or her hand upon or to touch with any part of his or her body, or to fondle in any manner or to massage a genital area of any other person," the ordinance reads.

After a permit is granted, the Health Department may revoke or suspend a massage establishment's permit for violating any of the above described terms. Routine inspections will be conducted by health officials to ensure township establishments are conforming to the new regulations.

Violations of the rules could also carry stiff legal penalties, a fine of up to $2,000, 90 days in jail, or both.

The ordinance will take effect 20 days after its passage on Monday, Sept. 26.