Town hopes spa rules stop illegal operations
Massage parlors will be required to obtain licenses
BY VINCENT TODARO
Staff Writer

EAST BRUNSWICK - Township officials aim to thwart potential prostitution rings by imposing new restrictions on massage parlors.

The Township Council on Monday adopted an ordinance that adds to existing regulations on health spas and related uses. The ordinance requires that persons practicing massage therapy, reflexology, acupressure or related acts first obtain a license from the township, according to Township Attorney Michael Baker.

East Brunswick Police Detective Robert Kearstan said the town crafted the ordinance in order to clarify rules and regulations regarding the operation of such establishments. East Brunswick police have in recent years made prostitution-related arrests at several spas where prostitution was found.

Baker told the Sentinel that, in addition to requiring therapists to obtain licenses, the ordinance makes the owner, manager and employees responsible for any violation of the law. It also requires that, as part of the approval process, the therapist produce documentation that certifies they have the necessary schooling and training to work competently in the field.

Baker said the thinking is that only those with the proper credentials will apply for a license.

"It will discourage anyone with illegal intent," he said.

It is still possible for someone who is certified to engage in illegal acts, Baker acknowledged, but it is hoped that holding owners accountable will keep more employees from breaking the law.

New Jersey does not offer licenses for massage therapy, though some in the field choose to receive national certification for massage therapy, which requires a certain amount of training from an approved school, passing a national exam and continuing education. Massage therapists can also join professional associations that have their own requirements and standards.

Kearstan, who works in the identification bureau of the police department, said that officers until now had no guidelines as far as checking on the credentials of such therapists. He said police did not want to issue identification to unqualified therapists.

During the meeting, Baker said the ordinance will help to keep out illegal businesses with untrained workers. Such operations have taken customers away from legal therapists and driven down prices.

Councilwoman Christi Calvano said some business people in town who could be affected told her they were upset to hear about the new requirements. She asked if the township contacted any of the legitimate businesses before going forward with the ordinance.

Kearstan said police are not looking to punish any legitimate business or massage therapists, such as those in doctor offices or rehabilitation centers.

"We're looking to attack illegal ones," he said, noting that the ordinance gives the township the authority to inspect places such as massage parlors. "We don't want that activity in town."

In April 2005, police arrested three workers on prostitution charges at two parlors, both operating in office buildings on West Prospect Street. In June 2004, a woman was charged with prostitution after reportedly offering sexual favors to an undercover police officer posing as a patron at a different spa on West Prospect Street. In March 2003, police raided two spas on West Prospect Street and Summerhill Road, charging two subjects with promoting prostitution and two others with prostitution.