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St. Charles leaders urge tighter rules on e-cigs, massage parlors

St. Charles leaders favor new licensing

St. Charles liquor control commissioners moved Monday night to gain licensing authority over tobacco shops and massage parlors.

As its title suggests, the liquor control commission oversees the activities of only liquor license holders in the city. But St. Charles Police Chief James Keegan promoted a plan Monday to add tobacco license enforcement and create a massage licensing program.

There are only four independent massage businesses operating in the city. But police have made seven arrests for prostitution at local massage parlors since 2010.

Deputy Police Chief Steve Huffman said experience shows problematic massage businesses tend to involve some level of human trafficking. Female employees also tend to illegally live in the businesses and get transferred to a different establishment if arrested on charges of prostitution to avoid court appearances.

Huffman said a licensing program with fines, code enforcement and regular inspections will go a long way toward avoid any future problems.

“Most illegitimate businesses will not even apply once they know we have the licensing process in place,” Huffman said.

Spas, chiropractors, athletic training facilities and similar businesses would all be eligible for an exemption to the licensing requirements, Huffman said.

“I didn't realize this is more of a human rights issue than it is a business issue,” said Commissioner Chuck Amenta. “I think it would be very important for the city of St. Charles to take a very strong stance.”

The rest of the commission agreed with that view. They also embraced the concept of more scrutiny for tobacco sales in the city, particularly when it comes to e-cigarettes.

There are 31 licensed tobacco retailers in the city, Keegan said. That total doesn't necessarily encompass businesses selling e-cigarettes, which is a growing retail industry. Keegan said city officials should consider a ban on e-cigarettes in public places.

He also pushed for stronger oversight on all tobacco sales while noting the $25 state fine for selling tobacco to a minor is minuscule compared to city fines of $1,000 or more violating the liquor code. State tobacco sale violations also allow for only the person selling the tobacco product to receive a fine, not the owner of the establishment. Keegan said the city should make them accountable as well.

Commissioners agreed. Mayor Ray Rogina indicated tobacco fines under a city law could be comparable to liquor license violations.

The commission sent two proposals to the city council for review. One would grant the liquor commission authority over tobacco enforcement. The other provides for massage licensing power. The full city council has to vote on and approve the proposals before they would take effect.

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