Council votes to prevent Lacey massage businesses from offering questionable services
Lacey City Council wasted little time on Tuesday, spending all of three minutes to strengthen the rules regarding massage and reflexology businesses.
They voted unanimously in response to a recent and sobering presentation by Lacey Police Chief Robert Almada, who said that over the past year, the city had received a number of complaints about some of these businesses.
Those concerns were outlined again in Tuesday’s meeting agenda.
“Community members reported unconventional tipping requirements, female massage practitioners dressed in lingerie, massage and reflexology businesses being utilized to house employees, female customers being denied services, and general concerns of prostitution and human trafficking,” the agenda reads.
In one situation police investigated, they found an employee dressed in lingerie. They continued to investigate and found at least seven locations that appear to be associated with potential prostitution and human trafficking, The Olympian reported.
Lacey City Attorney Dave Schneider said the new amendments to the ordinance do three things:
▪ They support the legitimate delivery of licensed massage and reflexology services.
▪ They seek to prevent unlicensed individuals and/or businesses from providing illegal services.
▪ The amendments work to deter criminal conduct and criminal activity that can be associated with the unlicensed practice in these services.
“Overall, the amendments are going to provide the city with a better tool to ensure that massage/reflexology businesses are operating properly and with transparency,” Schneider said.
Deputy Mayor Malcolm Miller and Council Member Nic Dunning shared some thoughts before the vote.
“I think it’s going to give the police department some teeth in this matter,” Miller said.
Dunning said he has heard from a lot of concerned residents.
“I would say I’ve probably gotten more messages about this than anything over the entire course of the year from people who just heard and were shocked that this stuff even goes on,” he said. “So they’re all very supportive of this, and I think it’ll be good for us.”
Chief Almada said it is the right move for the city.
“I do believe it’s the best step forward, and I appreciate your consideration on this proposal,” he said.
This story was originally published November 20, 2024 at 5:00 AM.
