Tougher city laws aim to push illicit massage shops out of one of the Tri-Cities

Starting in September, Kennewick police will have new ways to crack down on massage businesses operating illegally, including those trafficking women.

The Kennewick City Council has approved new regulations that will make prosecuting owners of illicit massage businesses easier, including those that traffic women to provide sexual services.

The goal is to drive such businesses out of the city.

City officials said Richland, Pasco and West Richland may want to consider similar city ordinances to prevent shops closed down in Kennewick from reopening nearby.

The new ordinance is a little less strict than what was proposed by Kennewick city staff, after owners of legitimate massage businesses, plus licensed massage therapists and their customers, said some new limitations on massage businesses would harm those operating legally.

The council agreed to extend the hours proposed by city staff. Now, there are no restrictions on when massage therapy businesses may operate.

Some businesses that were busted last month by Kennewick police on suspicion of sex trafficking women or massages by women who were not licensed massage therapists were offering services 24 hours a day if they received a call or text.

Limited hours

Under the new massage therapy ordinance passed recently by the Kennewick City Council, massage therapy businesses can operate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Council members decided requiring a closure at 8 p.m., as originally proposed by city staff, was too restrictive after they heard from legitimate massage therapists and businesses.

They said there was a demand for late evening massages. Some customers come in after working into the evening hours, after putting their children to bed or for massage therapy to help them sleep.

The council also decided not to require massage therapy and reflexology businesses to prominently display a list of services with brief descriptions and costs.

Staff had proposed the requirement, saying that some shady businesses charged an upfront fee and then surprised customers with additional costs once it was time to pay.

However, council members were concerned that would be cumbersome for legitimate massage therapy businesses that could have differing costs after insurance payments.

The new ordinance will require service providers to be Washington state Department of Health licensed massage therapists or certified reflexologists, have those licensed displayed at the business and be at least 18 years old.

Kennewick police would be allowed to visit public areas of businesses and verify those requirements were being met during business hours without a search warrant.

The first violation could result in a maximum sentence of three months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Each subsequent violation, including those that happen at the same time as the first violation, could be punished with a maximum sentence of up to a year in jail and a $5,000 fine.

In addition the person holding the city business license would have to give up their Kennewick-issued massage or reflexology business licenses if they are found in District Court to have violated the city code, and they could not reapply.

The ordinance takes effect in September to allow time for new licensing processes with new restrictions, such as checking for criminal records.