St. John's to Keep “Massage Parlour” Term For Now - VOCM

[massage]

The term “massage parlour” will be the status quo in the capital city, at least for the time being.

Last night at city hall council voted to move ahead with a text amendment that would allow the parlours in commercial areas.

Part of that amendment was to start referring to the establishments as “body rub parlours”, a term used in western Canada, due to concerns from registered massage therapists.

Councilor Maggie Burton made a motion to continue referring to the establishments as “massage parlours” until the new regulations officially come into effect and the moratorium is ended.

Council has voted to move forward with massage parlour text amendment– the new term won't become status quo until consultations happen. Matter now moves to public engagement @VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/4PRxzpKg5l

— Richard Duggan (@RDugganVOCM) October 15, 2019

Burton says the term “body rub parlour” is not set in stone.

The definition, including the name, can be changed based on feedback from those working in the field, the public and other stakeholders as well.

The next step for the city now is to engage the public on the proposed regulations. Various methods of engagement are being considered.

The public meeting is set for November sixth.