West Dundee fines, sets regulations for massage business
A West Dundee massage clinic accused of violating village code will be allowed to continue operating if the business obtains two separate licenses and adheres to a set of regulations outlined by a village commission Monday.
Three violations were issued against The Relax Place at 1410 Spring Hill Mall after a customer complaint prompted a police investigation March 26, according to village documents. The business, owned by Hong Chao Zhang, was cited for failing to have a licensed supervisor present and for allowing a person under the age of 18 into a massage room, authorities said.
During a hearing Monday, the business licensing commission agreed to drop the third charge, which accused the establishment of employing massage therapists without proper licensing. The employees have special training that allows them to perform certain Asian bodywork methods without obtaining state massage therapist licenses, Village Attorney Jim Binninger said.
Village officials have been debating whether to revoke or suspend The Relax Place's license since an initial violation hearing April 2. Rather than shut it down, commissioners approved a settlement requiring the business to pay a $750 fine and subdivide its operations to distinguish between the Asian bodywork and regular massage services.
"We ask that your clients adhere closely to the final order," Village President Chris Nelson told Zhang's attorney. "We will find ourselves back in this hearing room if they do not."
Trustees Andrew Yuska and Patrick Hanley also sit on the business licensing commission.
The Relax Place has operated in Spring Hill Mall for about a decade. All employees had appropriate licensing when the establishment first opened, Village Manager Joe Cavallaro said in a March 28 memo.
According to the settlement, The Relax Place needs to renew its license for massage therapy operations, which can be only be conducted by a state-licensed therapist. The private massage rooms must be clearly distinguished from other parts of the establishment, Binninger said, and minors are not allowed in that area without a parent or guardian.
The agreement also requires the massage parlor to obtain a second business license for its Asian bodywork services. Those operations will be performed toward the front of the establishment in public view and cannot include therapeutic massage practices that require the removal of clothing, according to village documents.
The Relax Place will have a week to obtain the two licenses and provide a plan for dividing its business, Binninger said. The fine must be paid within 30 days.
West Dundee officials also are expected to consider refining the village's code to clarify massage clinic regulations, Binninger said.