Ordinance to regulate shady spas

JEFFERSON — As police in nearby jurisdictions investigate spas, massage parlors and other businesses suspected of acting as fronts for prostitution, Jefferson officials are trying to make sure any similar businesses are legitimate when they come to town.

The Jefferson City Council met in a special session Monday night to approve an ordinance that would regulate spas and massage parlors, which have a reputation for harboring prostitution and other illegal activities.

The ordinance wouldn’t prohibit spas or massage parlors, but would set restrictions on where they can operate, who can apply for a spa or massage parlor permit and who can work at these businesses, said City Manager John Ward.

“I currently have not had an application submitted, but we have had multiple inquiries from people wanting to open spas,” Ward said. “It’s due to our proximity to I-85.”

The law, which passed 4-1, requires that massage therapists be licensed by the state and remained clothed when they are with a client. Police will inspect parlors regularly, and owners or managers are required to be present when the parlors are open. Also under the law, the parlors must close before 10 p.m. and cannot offer massages to anyone under the age of 21.

At least one city councilman thought city leaders should set the minimum age of customers at 18.

“If 18 is old enough to join the military, then it is old enough to get a massage,” Councilman Steve Kinney said.

His colleagues disagreed.

Police in Gwinnett — investigating reports of prostitution — have cited a few massage parlors recently for operating without licenses, while in Athens-Clarke County, authorities have charged four people at an adult