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Licensing board denies Lavender Reflexology massage license after state suspension, code violations
Summary
The West Bend licensing board voted to deny a massage‑therapy license for Lavender Reflexology and owner Shujang Chang after police and staffing reviews found a suspended state license, alleged unlicensed practitioners and building/fire code violations; the denial was voted by the licensing board and will be reviewed by the full council.
The licensing board voted to deny a massage‑therapy license application for Lavender Reflexology and owner Shujang Chang after the police department reported the state had suspended the owner’s license and investigators found other regulatory and safety problems.
Police Chief Dearing said the state of Wisconsin suspended Chang’s license effective Feb. 18, 2026, citing multiple violations including “conduct below the minimum professional standards,” permitting unlicensed individuals to perform massage therapy, and incomplete or fraudulent employee records. Dearing told the board his department and Workforce Development conducted a business check on May 6 that found massages being provided without any licensed massage therapist on site and documentation later verified as fraudulent.
Dearing also said the city’s nuisance‑abatement investigation identified fire and building code violations that the owner had been directed to remedy before reopening. He emphasized that the criminal and civil matters remain in litigation and that the applicant retains the presumption of innocence, but recommended denial based on the combination of license suspension, alleged fraudulent documentation and safety violations.
City staff confirmed the applicant received notice of the licensing denial proceeding and the licensing board provided an opportunity to be heard; no one appeared to represent Lavender Reflexology at the meeting. The board moved and seconded a motion to deny the license; members approved the motion by voice vote.
The licensing board’s denial will be reflected in the full council records; the chair noted the matter will come before the council shortly for final action as required by local process.
Police Chief Dearing: “At the time of tonight, there is no one that has a legitimate massage license in the state of Wisconsin at Lavender Spa,” and investigators observed “massages being given at the time, without any licensed massage therapist or active license at the establishment.”
Next steps: the denial stands from the licensing board; the council will consider related documentation as part of regular council follow‑up.
