Massage Licensing Fees to Begin June 4
Fees for massage licenses were approved this week to cover the costs of new regulations aimed at driving away prostitutes who pose as legitimate technicians.
The City Council this year directed vice officers to work with massage educators and write an exam testing professional conduct of practitioners. Everyone who wishes to practice would have to pass the test, and police said prostitutes who use massage parlors would likely fail.
The measures also are designed to improve the image of professional masseurs, who work in 22 shops in Costa Mesa.
To cover the costs, the council this week approved an $80 testing fee; $115 practitioner and establishment permit fees; and a $40 renewal fee every four years.
Police said the fees cover only estimated costs incurred by the city. Fees, which take effect June 4, should generate about $3,200 a year.
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