Massage ordinance amended after mixed reaction - KRCRTV.COM

[massage]

REDDING, Calif. -
Problems with illicit massage parlors and sex trafficking are expected to be curtailed through an ordinance in Redding.

Tuesday’s Redding City Council meeting followed up the June 7 first reading of Ordinance No. 2549. The proposed ordinance amends Redding Municipal Code Title 6 involving business taxes, licenses and regulations. A new chapter is being added to focus on massages and massage parlors.

The ordinance would require massage therapists to be fully-clothed and go through background checks. It would continue to prohibit genital massages.

But the interesting note is what was adjusted Tuesday night. The original proposal said you had to get a doctor's referral for a gluteal massage. The council nixed that note under recommendation from Redding City Attorney Barry DeWalt.

“There appears to be a significant adverse impact on legitimate massage, and that there doesn't appear to be any substantial benefit by having that provision to regulating and eliminating illicit massage. I thought to myself that I should bring that recommendation to you now,” DeWalt said, addressing the council.

Also included in the updated ordinance would be allowing alcohol at some facilities. Those facilities will still need a license from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

The amendments passed unanimously, with the proposed plan to review the successes and failures of the ordinance in six months.

Also discussed Tuesday night was the reduced issues with problem motels in Redding.

Police Chief Robert Paoletti gave a status update, including statistics from his department that show a significant decrease in calls for service at several crime-ridden locations.

Paoletti credits much of this positive change to ownership and management stepping up to curb the problems. Also, two of the problem motels had closed within the last six months.

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