East Bay city to consider tough new rules for massage parlors - East Bay Times

[Angela Ruggiero]

PLEASANTON — After temporarily banning new massage parlors from downtown, the city will consider letting them apply to do business there if they adhere to some strict rules.

The city had slapped a moratorium on new massage parlors while it developed a downtown specific plan, which was approved by the City Council several weeks ago.The council is scheduled to review a proposed ordinance Tuesday that would lift that ban so massage parlors can apply again.

The ordinance would prohibit them from displaying or hanging underwear or undergarments inside and from advertising anything that suggests “any unlawful services,” such as prostitution. They also would be required to display a notice from the Department of Justice warning that human trafficking and slavery are illegal.

Police have tried to crack down on massage parlors in recent years, sometimes going undercover in sting operations to catch those doing illegitimate business or serving as fronts for prostitution.

Under the ordinance, massage practitioners would be required to get certification by the California Massage Therapy Council, a private nonprofit corporation established in 2008. City Attorney Dan Sodergren said the certification requires competency testing and a background check of employees, who also must register with the police department.

The police department previously regulated and handed out the technician permits. Although most parlors in the city are state-certified, about 20 aren’t and to continue practicing they’ll have to apply for state certification.

Parlors also would be required to post a list of available services and associated costs, and take out a minimum $2 million insurance policy. They’ll be prohibited from displaying neon signs or serving any alcohol.

New massage parlors won’t be allowed to operate in the same space as ones that had their business permits revoked.

The Massage Therapy Act was amended in 2014 to allow local governments to regulate massage businesses in the best interests of their communities.

If approved, the ordinance will go into effect later this year.

The City Council meets 7 p.m. Tuesday in the council chambers, 500 Old Bernal Ave.