Enforcement of Pawtucket massage parlor ordinance on hold - WPRO

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photo via Flickr Creative Commons
PAWTUCKET, R.I. (AP) — The city of Pawtucket has agreed to postpone the enforcement of a recently approved ordinance regulating “body works” spas or massage parlors.

In exchange for Wednesday’s decision, the owners of two Asian massage parlors suing the city have agreed to drop their pursuit of a restraining order.

The ordinance requires employees of businesses offering “body works” or “body rubs” to obtain background checks and licenses before they are permitted to work.

City council passed the regulation in August, but it was vetoed by Mayor Donald Grebien. The veto was ultimately overridden by city council, who stated its goal is to prevent prostitution.

A lawyer representing Harmony Spa and Far East Acupressure says the city is conducting a “witch hunt.”

The two sides will meet Feb. 3 in Superior Court.

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