Newport Beach : Council Will Consider Massage Ordinance
As the 45-day emergency ban on the opening of new massage businesses in the city draws to a close, the City Council on Tuesday is expected to consider an ordinance regulating the operation of massage businesses.
The council adopted the emergency ordinance April 9 after Newport Beach police reported an increase in the number of prostitution arrests at massage parlors.
Many arrests were made near John Wayne Airport, where most of the massage parlors in the city are concentrated, according to police.
When the council approved the emergency ordinance, there were 32 massage business permits issued and five pending. Following adoption of the emergency ordinance, the city met with legitimate massage technicians to discuss drafting an ordinance.
The ordinance to be considered would define the purpose and intent of massage businesses, require them to close at 10 p.m. and also to carry insurance.
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