A.
The permit and certification requirements and restrictions imposed by this chapter are reasonably necessary to protect the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the City.
B.
The City is authorized, by virtue of the State Constitution, Section 51031 of the Government Code and Section 4612 of the Business and Professions Code, to regulate massage establishments by imposing reasonable standards on the operation of the massage establishment including, but not limited to, sanitary conditions at massage establishments, hours of operation, and prohibitions on the sale of food or beverages within the establishment.
C.
There is significant risk of injury to massage clients by uncertified massage therapists and this chapter provides reasonable safeguards against injury and economic loss.
D.
There is opportunity for acts of prostitution and other unlawful activity to occur in massage establishments. The establishment of regulations relating to operation of the massage establishment coupled with state certification requirements for massage therapists, will help reduce the risks of injury and illegal activity.
E.
Past and current abuses by disreputable massage establishments have undermined and tarnished the reputation of reputable massage establishments. Massage therapy practiced by reputable and educated massage therapists is recognized as therapeutically beneficial.
F.
The goals of this chapter are to implement safeguards against injury and economic loss; to recognize legitimate massage therapy as having medical therapeutic value; and to prevent illegal activity by irreputable massage establishments. The regulations and restrictions contained in this chapter are intended to encourage reputable massage establishments and discourage unsafe conditions and illegal activity and the means utilized in this chapter bear a reasonable and rational relationship to the goals sought to be achieved.
(Ord. 1-10, 2010)