Colorado Springs City Council tentatively approves ordinances to regulate, license massage parlors

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- The City Council voted unanimously Tuesday for an ordinance amendment to regulate more than 1,000 massage parlors and to establish licensing fees.

The issue had been considered for the past year, to stop human trafficking and prostitution in some unlicensed parlors.

Investigative reporting by KRDO NewsChannel 13 uncovered the problem and motivated the Council and police to take action.

Police said that they "absolutely" need the ordinance to effectively enforce human trafficking violations.

Councilman Dave Donelson was the lead Council member in drafting the law.

Before the vote, one massage therapist appeared in person, and two spoke via phone, to oppose the ordinance or express concerns about it.

Rebecca Lambert, the massage therapist attending the meeting, said that she's satisfied that the Council considered all concerns from the industry and made a fair decision.

"The licensed parlors and therapists have gotten a bad rap from those who are involved in human trafficking," she said. "It's not all just come in and get lotion or oil rubbed on you. Much of it is for medical purposes. I'm hoping the Council will make more changes as time goes on."

Under the ordinance, the cost of a license would be $110 for a business and $50 for a sole proprietor, a part-time therapist or a provider who doesn't rely on therapy as a primary part of a business.

The ordinance also authorizes police to inspect suspicious parlors, with penalties for violations carrying a fine of $2,500 and/or six months in jail.

The amendment officially passes after a second vote in two weeks and become effective July 1.