Days after announcing the closure of multiple massage parlors in Springfield, officials have revealed more information. The city announced Tuesday that a total of 11 parlors were closed down.
The businesses are now restricted from working in Springfield, as result of ongoing efforts by the city to make sure the parlors are adhering to local laws and licensing requirements. Authorities did not provide addresses to the parlors that were shut down. More: Several massage parlors fail inspections, forced to close in Springfield.
These businesses either failed to apply for necessary permits with the city or did not have a licensed massage therapist on-site during inspections, according to a press release from the city. Three of the closed locations had never submitted an application for a license in the first place and inspectors had found the places remaining in operation.
If a closed location fails their inspection and continues operating, Moredock said the city can take administrative action with fines, or enforcement of closure through circuit courts. More: Springfield attorney, cannabis compliance regulator mayor's pick for Ward 1 alderman. This past May, concerns about human trafficking and prostitution prompted the working committee of the Springfield City Council to send an ordinance to the consent agenda, requiring the parlors to register annually with the city.
Some of the parlors or spas also reportedly advertised on illicit adult websites. The city passed the new ordinance last June which requires all massage parlors in the city to be licensed and up to code with licensed massage therapists and inspections from multiple city branches.
