Alexandria seeks to reform massage parlors
By: David Sherfinski
Examiner Staff Writer
October 13, 2009
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Alexandria is trying to reform massage parlors in the city, although a requirement for hand sinks in all new locations has delayed the vote.
The city council was set to vote on the measure Tuesday, but it now will have a public hearing later in the month.
The sink requirement will be pulled, said Lisa Kaplowitz, director of the Alexandria Health Department.
"This was done as an infection-control measure," but the city understands the financial concern behind the requirement, Kaplowitz said.
Another proposed change still in the legislation would require massage establishments to provide the names and contact information for each massage therapist working in the company when they apply for a permit.
"This information is not currently required," City Manager James K. Hartmann wrote in a memo to the city council. "Permitting a massage establishment that does not employ any licensed massage therapists is not appropriate."
And therapists no longer would be required to disclose their weight when applying for a permit.
"This reflects the national trend to not require weight disclosure as many persons are uncomfortable doing so," Hartmann wrote. "It is noted that DMV no longer requires your weight on your driver's license application."
Battles over massage regulation are not unique to Alexandria.
The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors approved higher registration fees and new registration requirements for massage services last year.
The measure increased the initial massage service registration fee by $100, to $200, and raised the renewal fee $50, to $100.
All employees of massage services were required to provide proof of residence within 100 miles of Loudoun County, as well as a massage license registered in Virginia.
The changes were designed to eliminate groups of traveling massage therapists from bouncing around, as well as to cut down on unlicensed work in the area, according to the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office.
In a 2007 special session of the Maryland General Assembly, a proposal to tax services, including massages, was met with a firestorm of protest from service workers, including massage therapists.
The proposal was eventually defeated.
