Elburn spa told to stop massages until workers are licensed

An Elburn business has been ordered to stop offering massages until its employees can provide proof they have been licensed by the state as massage therapists, police said.

Asian Massage and BodyWorks, 151 E. Route 38, had a business license to operate as a tanning salon and beauty parlor. But village officials have received complaints from people who suspect it is offering sexually oriented massages.

"This is just a massage parlor," as seen in other towns, Police Chief Steven Smith said. Police accompanied the town's building inspector on his investigation of the business May 28. "They really do not have any licenses."

The workers would need licenses from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, or certificates from the American Organization of Bodywork Therapies of Asia or other Asian bodywork professional organizations recognized by the state.

Smith said police told the owner to notify the village when workers have licenses. In the meantime, workers may operate tanning beds or perform other salon work, such as nail manicures and pedicures, Smith said.

Police have been stopping by unannounced to see if massages are being given, he said.

The village sued the business last year, claiming it violated the town's zoning laws by operating an adult massage parlor without getting a special-use permit. The village dropped the suit when the business put in tanning beds.

Tanning salons, beauty parlors, barbers and nail salons are allowed under village law to offer massages as ancillary uses, without a special-use permit.

Village officials have had difficulty communicating with the workers at the salon, due to the workers' limited English skills.