Subject:
Title
Proposed amendments/modifications to Chapter 22 - Massage Salons, Health Clubs, etc.
Body
BACKGROUND SUMMARY:
At a recent Conference Session Councilmember Brill raised the issue of the proliferation of massage establishments in the Town and region and requested the Town Attorney to review and provide possible amendments to Chapter 22 to address the expansion of massage salons in Vienna and possible illegal activity at unlicensed businesses.
OVERVIEW:
The Town has its own permit/license regulations for massage salons, health clubs and other establishments that perform massages. Part of the regulatory process is a background investigation done by the Police Department for the operators of establishments performing massages as well as the employees performing massages. Many jurisdictions are enhancing their monitoring of such establishments to distinguish between legitimate businesses and individuals engaged in illegal conduct. In the past there has been regional cooperation and task forces to address illegal operations; however, many of those efforts were stopped during Covid-19 and some jurisdictions are not actively pursuing illegal activity in massage establishments.
SUMMARY/STAFF IMPRESSIONS: The Town Council may consider amendments and updates to Chapter 22 in its discretion.
RECOMMENDATION:
The Town Attorney has provided some suggested edits and updates to Chapter 22 for the Town Council’s consideration and discussion. Some provisions have been borrowed from Fairfax County’s current ordinance, but the County is in the process of rewriting its ordinance.