Forsyth County cracks down on massage parlors - WSB Radio

[massage]

By a 4-0 vote, Forsyth County Commissioners adopt an ordinance to regulate spa and massage therapy businesses in the county, beginning January 1.

The ordinance was crafted after weeks of public hearings and several revisions. It requires legitimate businesses to obtain and renew a license each year. Workers who are not already state-licensed massage therapists must get an employee work permit from the county.

The Forsyth County News reports licenses will cost $250 for a business and $25 for an unlicensed massage therapist.

The ordinance sets business hours of 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. Workers cannot be on site after 11 p.m. or before 6 a.m.

Provisions also specify lighting and signage. No regular beds may be used for massage and workers must remain fully clothed at all times.

The provision mandating a licensed massage therapist on site at all times has drawn protest from business owners, who call it too onerous. The county attorney maintains the rule is designed to prevent illegal activity.

The entire ordinance, patterned after one in Johns Creek, is aimed at discouraging illegal prostitution and other crime.

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