Panel backs ban on some massage parlors

Monday, April 18, 2005 | 11:02 a.m.

The Henderson Planning Commission is backing the proposed ban on new stand-alone massage studios as a way to combat prostitution.

The commission's unanimous recommendation will be considered May 3 by the Henderson City Council. On that same date, the council will also consider revoking the licenses of three massage studios that city officials allege have been sites of prostitution. A fourth business that was part of the investigation will be allowed to remain open because the owner has sold his studio.

Only two people attended Thursday hearing at City Hall to speak on the ordinance that surfaced after a sting operation last fall uncovered alleged prostitution at four of six stand-alone massage studios. Nine women from the four businesses were arrested last fall for prostitution and related code violations.

Las Vegas and North Las Vegas allow stand-alone studios, and Henderson amended its ordinance several years ago to allow the stand-alone massage studios, Assistant City Attorney Liza Conroy told the commission.

The city has spent thousands of dollars monitoring and investigating the businesses, according to Henderson Police Officer Dave Wilson. The city began an investigation of the massage studios after residents complained of therapists soliciting them.

"It is important to pass this (ban) to protect us against these type of operations," Commissioner Dale Lay said.

The other three businesses where the city alleges prostitution took place could remain open if the owners agreed to sell. The new owners would have to follow stricter licensing requirements for therapists. If there are any more prostitution convictions, the businesses would be closed permanently.

The proposed ordinance isn't without its detractors.

Henderson resident Terrilee Yule said she's undergoing extensive schooling and feared the city could prevent her from opening a spa and massage studio.

The proposed ordinance wouldn't prohibit massage therapy that is part of a hotel, day spa or other business where it is not the primary use. It also wouldn't change a 3-year-old ordinance that allows massage therapists to travel to homes and hotel rooms to give rubdowns to members of the opposite sex.

Steve Cook opened the city's seventh stand-alone massage studio last week. He said he's looking to sell franchises for the national chain, Massage Envy, and that the ban would be devastating.

Cook said his studio helps change the image of the profession by offering affordable and wholesome massage. He wants an exception in the ordinance to allow businesses like his to operate.

"Nobody is more for cleaning up the massage industry than us," Cook said.

City officials told Cook that any new studios could comply with the ordinance by combining with other business uses. Commissioners also urged Cook to talk with city staff about whether changes could be made to the ordinance.

No prostitution cases have been uncovered at two of the six stand-alone massage studios investigated last fall, Conroy said. She told the commission that the city has reputable massage studios, and she doesn't want to tarnish their image.

Sheila Martens, the owner of A Touch of Class, which has operated in Henderson for nine years, said during an interview that she has mixed feeling about the proposed ordinance. The city code would prevent a studio like hers from expanding.

Martens said about 30 percent to 40 percent of her patrons are referrals from doctors, and the city shouldn't penalize legitimate studios. But she said she understands the city's logic in pushing for the ban on new businesses.

"I totally agree that some of these studios are just a front," Martens said. "Some of the studios are situated next to a bar and open until 3 a.m. This is giving out the wrong idea of massage, which is on the increase and good for the health."

Henderson Oriental Massage at 1006 W. Sunset Road, Relax Spa & Massage at 1256 E. Lake Mead Parkway and Sunset Spa & Foot Massage at 4451 E. Sunset Road have permit revocation hearings set for May 3.

The owner of the fourth business, Sunrise Massage Spa, avoided having his license revoked by selling the operation.

Linda Norvell, the attorney for the owner of Sunset Spa, accused the city of targeting Asian-owned businesses -- an accusation city officials deny. She has a hearing set for Thursday before Las Vegas District Court Judge Allan Earl. She wants a postponement of the May 3 hearing before the City Council and documents detailing the city's undercover investigation.