Roswell City Council hears appeal for revocation of Heavenly Foot Massage license

In a recent Roswell City Council meeting held on June 23, 2025, the council addressed a significant appeal regarding the revocation of the massage establishment license for Heavenly Foot Massage, located at 11680 Alpharetta Highway. The appeal was presented by Chief of Police James Conroy, who detailed the circumstances leading to the license revocation.

The city administrator, Randy Knighton, revoked the license on May 13, 2025, following a police operation that revealed serious violations. During the operation, seven employees were found working without the necessary Georgia massage therapist licenses or city work permits. Additionally, there was no licensed massage therapist on-site, and the establishment had previously been shut down for similar infractions on multiple occasions over the past 14 months.

Chief Conroy emphasized that this was the third closure for licensing issues, highlighting a pattern of non-compliance with city regulations. The owner, Young Jin Liu, was cited for allowing unlicensed employees to work, which led to the establishment being closed and marked as "red tagged."

In response, Liu appealed the decision, explaining that previous closures were due to administrative delays in obtaining necessary licenses and permits. He argued that the business had operated since 2009 without significant issues until recent regulatory changes. Liu expressed his commitment to rectify the situation by hiring licensed massage therapists and improving the establishment's offerings, including plans to raise prices and enhance the customer experience.

Despite Liu's assurances and proposed changes, city staff recommended denying the appeal, citing ongoing compliance issues. The council's decision will have implications for the future of Heavenly Foot Massage and its ability to operate legally in Roswell.

As the council deliberates, the case underscores the importance of regulatory compliance in the service industry and the challenges businesses face in navigating local laws. The outcome of this appeal will not only affect the establishment but also set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future.