Council approves rules on massage parlors

After receiving complaints about massage parlors operating in West Milford, the Township Council approved an ordinance requiring licenses and setting standards for operating such businesses.

Massage therapists must be licensed by the New Jersey Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy.

Massages may be administered to clients seated in a massage chair. They must remain fully clothed in their clothing for the duration of service. No bare skin contact is made or permitted with the client, nor may any oils, creams or lotions be applied to the client. Massages are limited to the back, neck and shoulder.

No part of any massage, bodywork and somatic-therapy business may be connected with a bedroom or sleeping quarters.

Anyone who wants to open a massage, bodywork or somatic-therapy business must file a written application with the Township Clerk’s Office.

The applicant, who must be a principal of the business, may be required to submit more documentation, including but not limited to a sketch, floor plan, building layout, diagram, zoning permit and/or certificate of occupancy.

The township license must be displayed in a conspicuous place on the premises. Licenses are good for a calendar year. The annual fee is $500.

If a re-inspection is necessary because of violations observed during the initial inspection, a fee of $250 will be charged for each subsequent re-inspection until all violations are corrected.

If there are violations, the establishment will be closed until they are corrected. The Health Department officer may recommend revocation or suspension of the license and a hearing must be concluded within 45 days of the date of suspension or closure.

Violations may be punishable by a fine of not more than $2,000, imprisonment for not more than 90 days or community service of not more than 90 days.