Green Bay Council Denies Cherry Spa's Massage License Renewal Amid Prostitution Allegations

The Green Bay Common Council convened on July 15, 2025, to address significant issues surrounding the non-renewal of massage establishment licenses, with two establishments facing scrutiny due to alleged violations of city ordinances.

In a decisive move, the council denied the appeal for E Spa, located at 1235 South Military Avenue, based on evidence of inappropriate advertising linked to sexual services. The council highlighted that the establishment had previously been denied a license due to similar concerns, and additional evidence presented during the meeting reinforced the decision to deny the appeal. Alder Hutchison emphasized the importance of the owner's criminal conviction as a factor in the council's decision, stating, "the fact that the owner was found guilty and convicted... falls in line with a reason why we would not allow it."

The council also reviewed the case of VIP Spa at 842 South Military Avenue, which faced non-renewal due to multiple violations, including operating without proof of insurance and failing to maintain a proper employee ledger. The police department reported that the establishment had been cited for these infractions, and the council expressed concern over the lack of compliance with city regulations. Alder Galvin noted the need for thorough investigations and expressed hesitance to deny the license based solely on technical violations.

The most contentious discussion arose regarding Cherry Spa at 1639 Deckner Avenue, which was recommended for non-renewal due to its association with previous allegations of prostitution linked to a different establishment. The owner, represented by attorney Brent Iceburner, argued that the allegations were unfounded and that Cherry Spa had no connection to the alleged activities of Leisure Spa. The council grappled with the implications of the previous owner's criminal history and the ongoing concerns about the establishment's operations.

Ultimately, the council voted to deny the renewal of licenses for both E Spa and VIP Spa, while the decision on Cherry Spa remains under deliberation. The discussions highlighted the council's commitment to enforcing regulations aimed at ensuring public safety and maintaining the integrity of local businesses. As the council moves forward, the implications of these decisions will resonate within the community, emphasizing the importance of compliance and accountability in the massage industry.