Canton Takes Aim At Local Massage Parlor Rules

CANTON, CT — Saying a 50-year-old town ordinance on massage parlors is not necessary and has never been enforced, Canton's top elected body repealed it last week.

The Canton Board of Selectmen unanimously voted to repeal Ordinance 122, which was created in 1975 and is simply entitled "Massage Parlors."

According to Canton First Selectman Kevin Witkos, the review and repeal of the massage parlor rules actually arose out of a complaint in town.

During a subsequent police probe, Witkos said police officials recommended the town take a look at its standing massage parlor ordinance.

Essentially, the ordinance required town selectmen's approval of permits for massage parlors in Canton, Witkos said.

The original ordinance came during a time when the term "massage parlor" had a more nefarious reputation as opposed to the more medical/clinical take on the profession today.

Currently, the legalities, permits, and requirements for massage therapists and spas/practices hiring massage therapists are covered by the state Department of Health.

"It was enacted in 1975, and it's never been activated or utilized," Witkos said of Canton's massage parlor rules. "This is something that is licensed by the state of Connecticut, monitored by the Department of Public Health."

As for concerns about less wholesome issues surrounding places where massages happen, those are being investigated by the police department anyway.

As Witkos put it, Canton's massage parlor ordinance doesn't stop that situation anyway, alluding to sex trafficking concerns expressed by some in town.

"None of that would be prevented by having this on the books," Witkos said of a local massage parlor ordinance.

In short, selectmen said having a town ordinance on massage parlors isn't something the town wants, and it only adds another hoop for legitimate operations to navigate legally.

"This is a regulation on a business industry that is unnecessary," Witkos said. "I view this as something that we don't need on the books. It's never been enforced or utilized."

Selectmen concurred unanimously, with Selectman Elizabeth Corkum Winsor saying the town should mull an adult entertainment ordinance through the town's public safety committee to address sex trafficking concerns.

The public hearing of the ordinance's repeal only garnered two speakers.

Resident Lisa Coggins said she was opposed to the repeal, instead endorsing a modification of the ordinance as a means for the town to still have a say on massage operations, citing other towns' practices.

For the minutes of the Dec. 10 Canton Board of Selectmen meeting, click on this link.

To watch the Dec. 10 Canton Board of Selectmen meeting, click on this link.