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

The Green Bay Common Council meeting on July 15, 2025, focused on significant discussions regarding the non-renewal of massage establishment licenses for two local spas, East Spa and Cherry Spa. The council deliberated on the implications of alleged violations related to advertising and past criminal activity associated with the establishments.

The first major topic was the appeal for East Spa's license renewal, which was recommended for denial due to evidence of advertising that suggested illicit activities. Council members expressed concerns about the owner's criminal history, which included a conviction related to prostitution. Alder Hutchison emphasized that the owner's conviction aligned with the reasons for denying the appeal, while other council members echoed the sentiment that the evidence presented warranted the denial. Ultimately, the council voted to deny the appeal, reinforcing the importance of adhering to local regulations.

The second discussion centered on Cherry Spa, where the council reviewed similar allegations of advertising for illicit services. The police department presented evidence linking Cherry Spa to previous complaints and advertisements suggesting inappropriate conduct. The attorney representing Cherry Spa argued that the establishment had no involvement in the alleged activities and highlighted that the owner had no recent criminal history. However, the council raised concerns about the spa's continued use of the previous name, Leisure Spa, which was associated with past violations.

During the deliberations, council members debated the adequacy of the evidence and the implications of the spa's name change. Some members expressed empathy for the business owner, suggesting that the evidence did not conclusively prove wrongdoing. However, others maintained that the connection to previous allegations and the lack of compliance with advertising regulations justified the recommendation for non-renewal.

In conclusion, the council's decisions reflect a commitment to enforcing local ordinances aimed at regulating massage establishments and ensuring public safety. The discussions highlighted the complexities involved in balancing business interests with community standards, as the council navigated the implications of past behaviors and current operations of the establishments in question.