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Police arrest two at massage places for prostitution during past year
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Manteca’s efforts to make sure massage establishments conform to the law and do not harbor illegal activities  has led to five business opting not to renew city licenses.

Manteca Police provided the City Council last month with an update of enforcement efforts since a city ordinance regulating massage parlors went into effect 18 months ago in response to citizen complaints in regards to message establishments.

During that time:

*Two establishments — both which did not have a current city business licenses — had masseurs arrested for prostitution.

*The number of massage establishments dropped down from 30 to 25.

*Citizen complaints about illegal activity — primarily prostitution — dropped to zero.

*26 massage establishments were inspected by code enforcement, 10 failed inspections, while 9 of the 10 passed re-inspections.

The ordinance that went into effect in August of 2019 to address not just prostitution complaints but also issues customers had as to whether those working in massage parlors were properly trained. It is also designed to make sure the establishments comply with state regulations.

The city regulations outlined in the ordinance covers the follow points among others:

*Details what parts of a client’s body must be covered at all times and prohibits any contact with female breasts or genitalia whether they are covered or uncovered.

*Massage therapists cannot engage in acts of prostitution.

*Massage therapists will be fully clothed at all times. Clothing will be non-transparent and cannot expose breast, genitals, or buttocks.

*A list of available services and their corresponding cost must be described in English and posted in the reception area. No services can be performed that aren’t listed and no one may request a fee for any service other than what is provided on the posting.

*Massage therapists must wear state certification during working hour. The state certificates of all massage therapists must be posted in the reception area.

*Every massage business must provide a written or electronic record of the date and hour of each treatment administered and the type of treatment administered. The records must be kept on the premise for a period of two years and made available for inspection by officials charged with enforcing city rules.

Additional inspects are planned this month and in March.

 

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com