Council enacts 10‑month moratorium on new massage‑therapy business licenses

The West Haven City Council voted April 13 to enact a 10‑month moratorium on acceptance, processing and issuance of new massage‑therapy business licenses to allow staff to review and update the city's regulatory framework.

Councilwoman Catherine Tucker introduced the resolution in the Health and Wellness Committee, and the council adopted the committee’s unanimous recommendation. The moratorium takes effect immediately on adoption and exempts massage businesses already licensed and in good standing.

Police officials and city attorneys told the council the current ordinance is outdated and difficult to enforce. Deputy Chief Romano and Chief Purnau said the ordinance’s language and low fees have allowed some establishments to sidestep requirements, and they cited instances in neighboring municipalities where massage businesses were used as fronts for human trafficking and other illicit activities. Romano reported the department has seen enforcement gaps and recommended a pause while planning, building and police staff, together with corporation counsel, rewrite enforceable provisions.

During committee discussion, council members emphasized protecting legitimate therapeutic providers (for example, physical therapists treating injuries) while creating clearer licensing requirements for commercial operators and stronger enforcement tools. The resolution directs city staff across departments — Planning & Development, Building, Police and Corporation Counsel — to conduct a comprehensive review and return recommendations to the council.

Next steps: staff will draft ordinance revisions and present proposed changes to the council before the moratorium expires.