The Chico City Council is set to discuss possible regulations for massage parlors at its meeting tonight.
Council member Deepika Tandon in September brought forward her concerns with some massage establishments in Chico.
“The reason for that request was to make sure that we are in alliance with our state recommendations,” Tandon said, “and to make the establishments safe as well.”
The topic went to the city’s internal affairs committee and is now arriving back in the hands of the city council which will decide whether or not to direct city staff to create a new regulatory ordinance.
During its first conversation in September, the council discussed concerns over the possibility of illegal activity like human trafficking.
Vice Mayor Kasey Reynolds expressed suspicion regarding the late business hours of some places.
“I think right now, we have about 45 to 50 massage parlors. The one around the corner from my house is open until 1 in the morning,” Reynolds said.
Mayor Andrew Coolidge replied to Reynolds saying, “Nothing good happens at a massage parlor after 9 o’clock at night.”
Councilors explored imposing restrictions on some businesses — including limiting hours. But the city can only regulate massage therapists who are not state certified by the California Massage Therapists Council.
The California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) is a nonprofit created by the state and certifies massage therapists.
“They have to meet very specific educational requirements,” said Ahmos Netanel, CAMTC’s chief executive officer. “They have to go through a criminal background check and once they meet the requirements in the law, then CAMTC can certify them.”
Still, regulation could be possible by creating zoning and permitting requirements, according to the city attorney.
