Committee directs staff to draft ordinance to regulate massage-therapy businesses

The Brainerd City public works committee voted to direct staff to draft a local ordinance regulating massage-therapy businesses after staff reported rising criminal activity linked to some local establishments.

Chief Davis, introducing the item, told the committee staff "seeks counsel direction on implementing a local regulatory ordinance" and said Minnesota "does not license massage therapy at the state level," prompting some cities to adopt local licensure to ensure public safety. He said the likely primary tool would be background checks on proprietors and therapists and that staff had encountered instances of "previous criminal histories for prostitution" among some individuals associated with massage businesses.

The recommendation to draft a proposed ordinance drew questions from council members about the likely cost and scope. Council members asked whether the city would impose licensing fees on proprietors and how many massage therapists operate in Brainerd; Chief Davis replied the city does not currently license the industry and therefore does not have a definitive count, noting some therapists work from home or travel rather than operate brick-and-mortar businesses. Staff said additional business-practice regulations — for example, limits on hours of operation similar to liquor-licensing rules — could also be considered.

Mister Cheswick moved to approve staff's recommendation to return with a draft ordinance; Councilman Yeager seconded the motion. The chair called the question and the committee voted in favor, directing staff to prepare a draft ordinance for future committee and council consideration.

The committee did not adopt any ordinance language at this meeting. Staff will prepare a draft ordinance for review at a future meeting that will specify licensing fees, background-check procedures and any proposed business-practice rules.