Federal Way advances ordinance to regulate massage businesses amid trafficking concerns

The Federal Way City Council on April 21 advanced a new municipal ordinance aimed at strengthening oversight of massage businesses and giving police more tools to investigate illicit operations linked to prostitution, money‑laundering and human trafficking.

Assistant City Attorney Adam Gadbury told council the proposed new chapter (12.65) would mirror state licensing requirements, require that owners and managers verify and conspicuously display valid Washington Department of Health massage licenses, and prohibit internal warning systems. Other elements include regulated hours of operation (6 a.m. to 10 p.m.), a prohibition on locking front doors during business hours and a ban on cash‑only transactions — steps the city says will increase transparency, ease verification by enforcement, and reduce opportunities for illicit activity.

The council discussed enforcement and victim services with the police chief. The chief said the department’s Special Investigations Unit and Criminal Investigations Section already handle undercover and trafficking investigations and that the ordinance would give investigators additional legal and administrative levers. Council members stressed the need to ensure rescued victims are connected to services; King County service organizations such as the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center (Case ARC) were cited as partners for victim advocacy and support.

Why it matters: The new code would not criminalize legitimate licensed massage therapists; rather, it establishes licensing verification, operating restrictions and business‑practice prohibitions intended to deter illicit activity and expedite investigations. Council members framed the ordinance primarily as a victim‑protection and public‑safety measure.

What’s next: The ordinance was forwarded for second reading and enactment at the May 5 council meeting.

Provenance: topicintro SEG 3330, topfinish SEG 3621.