Lake in the Hills launches 'proactive' massage parlors laws

Lake in the Hills has launched a "proactive" effort by establishing regulations and licensing requirements for massage parlors.

Under an ordinance approved Thursday night, parlor owners will be required to submit an application to obtain a license to operate. Application requirements give the police department authority to conduct criminal background checks on the applicant and any licensed massage therapists working at these businesses, per a memo from Police Chief David Brey who proposed the ordinance.

In his memo, Brey cited "alleged illegal activities, including prostitution, occurring throughout the state and specifically in the suburbs on certain premises commonly known as 'massage centers,' oftentimes involving human trafficking and underage victims."

There are about five massage parlors in town that will be affected, however, there has been no illicit activity at these businesses, said Jennifer Clough, assistant village administrator.

"It was a proactive effort," she said.

Massage parlors now will have to pay a $250 annual license fee. The application process imposes operational requirements on parlors, establishing grounds for denial or renewal of a license. The village's community development department will receive and maintain applications and licenses, along with the business license registrations. The police department will run background checks, and both departments will perform compliance checks, per Brey's memo.

Physical therapy offices and medical facilities that also offer massages for treatment are exceptions to the rule; the ordinance applies only to businesses whose sole purpose is giving massages, officials said.

In recent years, several massage parlors have opened in neighboring towns that appear to be legitimate businesses, but actually are a front for prostitution, according a memo from Village Attorney Bradford Stewart.

"Oftentimes the workers in such illicit businesses are underage victims and/or sex slaves without legal residency in this country," Stewart wrote. "By implementing registration requirements, background checks, operating regulations, and inspections that will deter many, if not most, illicit businesses from operating in our village."

Existing massage parlors will be notified of the rule changes, and would have one year to comply.