Massage businesses in Batavia will be under greater scrutiny now that the City Council has approved revised regulations for therapists and massage establishments.
Before a standing-room-only crowd, the council recently approved the ordinance, which provides guidelines and controls over a growing industry in town.
Batavia has three massage establishments, but there have been inquiries about setting up such businesses in town, officials said.
The ordinance recognizes the existence of legitimate spas and massage parlors, while providing means to regulate related businesses and shut down illicit enterprises, officials said.
The ordinance specifies parts of a customer’s body that may be touched during a massage, mandates that a therapist must wear appropriate clothing and defines legitimate hours of operation.
It stipulates that massage practitioners must secure approval from designated national associations, receive 500 hours’ training or pass accepted exams.
The ordinance also authorizes revocation of the license to operate in the event of any unlawful act or lewd conduct.
The ordinance is not applicable to workers in hospitals and nursing homes or to barbers, cosmetologists or athletic trainers.
