DEPARTMENT: Police Department
DEPARTMENT HEAD: William P. McManus, Chief of Police
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT: Massage Parlor Ordinance Amendments
SUMMARY:
In light of the significant changes in the massage industry over the last three decades, the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) presented proposed amendments to the City's existing massage parlor ordinance, designed to enhance the ability of the City to address massage businesses engaging in illegal activity, to the Public Safety Committee during its October 2018 meeting. SAPD also sent information on the proposed amendments to the 110 massage businesses throughout the city to provide an overview of the proposed amendments and solicit feedback.
BACKGROUND:
SAPD Enforcement
The SAPD Vice Unit investigates resident complaints regarding massage parlors. Typically, investigations are comprised of an internet search on prominent review sites to determine if the establishment in question has a history of illegal activities followed by an undercover operation that includes an attempt to obtain prostitution services. The table below provides additional information on the number of investigations, citations and arrests since 2017:
2017
2018
TOTAL
Investigations/Inspections
43
54
97
Citations
29
27
56
Arrests
13
17
30
Establishments Shut Down|10101010|
Once a case is made, the owner of the establishment and the landlord are contacted. The owner is responsible for criminal activity even if the owner had no knowledge of the illegal activity. Individuals arrested for illegal activity are reported to the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation (TLDR) which may choose to revoke the individuals massage license.
The City may file a lawsuit against a business once a minimum of six cases related to sexual, drug-related or violent crimes occur at the property in an effort to force the closure of the establishment.
Existing Ordinance
The existing ordinance, adopted by City Co...
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