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Bowling Green tightens massage-facility rules, exempts state-licensed therapists with affidavit and posted certificate
Summary
On second reading the commission approved an ordinance adding regulations for massage facilities and clarifying exemptions for state-licensed massage therapists who file a copy of their state license, sign an affidavit prohibiting unlicensed practitioners, and post an exemption certificate; penalties apply for misrepresentation.
The Bowling Green Board of Commissioners on Sept. 16 advanced a revised ordinance to regulate massage facilities and amend related business-licensing definitions.
Commissioners said the first reading and subsequent public outreach produced clarifying edits. City Attorney Hillary described the principal change: state-licensed massage therapists will be exempt from some local requirements so long as they submit a copy of their state license to city licensing, sign an affidavit that they will not allow unlicensed persons to practice at their facility, and post an exemption certificate. The city attorney said the exemption still exposes licensees to penalties if they fall out of good standing, allow unlicensed practitioners to work, misrepresent information on the exemption application, or violate other unlawful conduct provisions in the ordinance.
The city attorney told commissioners some licensing particulars did not apply uniformly to all types of massage therapists and that the exemption language was added after meetings with practitioners who provided feedback between readings. Commissioners thanked community members and licensed therapists who engaged in the review process and said the changes made the ordinance easier to understand while preserving the stated policy goal of reducing human trafficking risk.
No substantive amendments were required at the second reading; staff said updated copies were provided to commissioners and the ordinance proceeded to a second (binding) reading and vote.
