A new proposal to regulate massage businesses in the City of Bloomington will be back before the city council on Monday, this time without annual licensing fees.
The council is scheduled to vote on the plan during its 6 p.m. meeting at the Government Center.
City staff removed the proposed yearly $250 fee from the ordinance the city council tabled on June 9 after massage parlor owners complained they were being unfairly targeted and weren't consulted.
City staff proposed the regulations as a way to prevent sex trafficking, amid claims that some of the businesses were engaging in illegal sexual activity.
The annual fee was to help cover the city's cost to investigate these businesses and ensure compliance.
“While the city will incur some costs in administering this program, including staff review, inspections, and coordination with public safety and other departments, the primary goal is to ensure that only lawful and legitimate massage therapy establishments are operating in our community,” city clerk Leslie Yocum wrote in a memo to the council.
The massage establishments would still be subject to a $100 application fee.
City staff maintains the regulations are needed to shut down illicit operators and that any investigations can’t be left solely to law enforcement.
"It complements, rather than replaces, police work and will help the city to more effectively prevent harm while supporting legitimate businesses,” the memo stated.
The ordinance would not apply to individual massage therapists who are licensed by the state of Illinois.
