Feeling down? Need some unconditional love and human companionship? You might be able to get that soon at a Wisconsin business called “The Snuggle House” — but the city of Madison is worried that customers might get more than that.
Once it opens, the downtown business will provide customers with cuddle sessions to relieve stress and boost well-being — at the price of $60 an hour.
“Stress levels go down, you feel better, anxiety in a lot of people just dissipates,” employee Lonnie Johnson told the local NBC News affiliate.
And even though the business already has appointments scheduled, it hasn’t finished the necessary inspections and negotiations with the city — partially because the city is worried The Snuggle House is a front for prostitution. The city told the news station that the absence of a business plan and the lack of training are red flags.
“I still have not seen a business plan,” Assistant City Attorney Jennifer Zilavy told the Wisconsin State Journal. “I don’t know what they have done as far as training their staff to respond to potential sexual assaults and that type of thing.”
Some Facebook users are also suspicious.
“Is this a joke?” user Kevin Horn asked on the business’ page.
“I’d rethink the cover photo. It contradicts the idea that you are not an escort service offering up pretty girls for ‘companionship’. How about a less sexy image, such as a photo of all the therapists in a group hug?” user Mara Ansfield wrote.
“If this ain’t really a brothel in disguise it’s pretty damn ridiculous,” Matt Cumblad commented.
Matthew Hurtado, owner of The Snuggle House, told The Associated Press that he would address the concerns of city officials this week, in hopes of hitting The Snuggle House’s target grand opening next week. He said the building had passed its building inspection on Tuesday, with a fire inspection scheduled for Friday. The Snuggle House was originally set to open on Tuesday.
Hurtado also said there will be security cameras monitoring each room.
