[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Council of the Town of Newington 10-26-1982
(§§ 11-30 to 11-50 of the 1974 Code). Amendments noted where
applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Adult-oriented establishments — See Ch. 130.
For the purpose of this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
Any and all persons, other than the masseurs or masseuses, who render
any service to the permittee and who have no physical contact with customers
and clients.
Any method of pressure on, or friction against, or stroking, kneading,
rubbing, tapping, pounding, vibrating or stimulating of the external soft
parts of the body, except the neck, scalp and face, with the hands or with
the aid of any mechanical or electrical apparatus or appliance with or without
any such supplementary aids as rubbing alcohol, liniments, antiseptics, oils,
powders, creams, lotions, ointments or other similar preparations commonly
used in this practice.
Any establishment having a fixed business where any person, firm,
association or corporation engages in or carries on or permits to be engaged
in or carried on any of the activities mentioned under "massage" and shall
also include any massage business operated on a house-call basis.
Any person, who, for any consideration whatsoever, engages in the
practice of massage as herein defined.
Any school or institution of learning which has for its purpose the
teaching of the theory, method, profession or work of massage, which school
requires a resident course of study of not less than 70 hours to be given
in not more than three calendar months before the student shall be furnished
with a diploma or certificate of graduation from such school or institution
of learning following the successful completion of such course of study or
learning.
[Amended 7-18-1990]
This chapter shall not apply to schools, hospitals, nursing homes, sanitariums
or persons holding an unrevoked certificate to practice the healing arts under
the laws of the state or to persons working under the direction of any such
person or any such establishment. Persons may be exempted from this chapter
who are eligible to use the title "Connecticut-Certified Massage Therapist"
under the provisions of C.G.S. § 20-206a, b and c; or persons who
hold an American Massage Therapy Association Certificate of Massage Therapy;
or persons who have successfully completed a course of study of not less than
500 hours, with the instructor present, at a school of massage therapy which
is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department
of Education and which provided, at the time of graduation, a curriculum which
was approved by the American Massage Therapy Association.
The Chief of Police or his designee or the Director of Public Health
may, after a public hearing, make and enforce reasonable rules and regulations
not in conflict with, but to carry out, the intent of this chapter.
[Amended 7-18-1990]
A.
No person shall engage in, conduct, or carry on or permit
to be engaged in, conducted, or carried on, in or upon any premises in the
Town, the operation of a massage establishment without first having obtained
a permit from the Chief of Police or his designee, after approval by the Director
of Health.
B.
Persons claiming exemption under § 284-2 of this chapter shall file an application with the Director of Health of the Central Connecticut Health District. The application for exemption shall be approved or denied within 10 working days. Any permit or exemption certificate issued under this section shall either be posted at his/her place of business or be on his/her person. The Director of Health of the Central Connecticut Health District shall provide a copy of the exemption certificate to the Newington Police Department.[1]
A.
The application for a permit to operate a massage establishment
shall set forth the exact nature of the massage to be administered, proposed
place of business and facilities therein, and the name and address of each
applicant.
B.
In addition to the foregoing, any applicant for a permit
shall furnish the following information:
(1)
Written proof that the applicant is at least 18 years
of age.
(2)
Two portrait photographs of at least two inches by two
inches and fingerprints.
(3)
Business, occupation or employment of the applicant for
the three years immediately preceding the date of the application.
(4)
Massage or similar business license history of the applicant,
whether such person has previously operated in this or another municipality
or state under license, has had such license revoked or suspended, the reason
therefor, and the business activity or occupation subsequent to such action
of suspension or revocation.
(5)
Any criminal convictions, except minor traffic violations,
within the last 10 years.
A.
Each applicant for a permit to maintain, operate or conduct
a massage establishment shall file an application with the Chief of Police
or his designee and pay a permit fee as set by the Council in the schedule
of fees.
B.
In the event that the massage establishment permit is
disapproved, 1/2 of the permit fee shall be retained by the Town for expenses
incurred in the investigation of the application.
When the application is filed for a massage establishment permit, the
Chief of Police shall fix the time and place for a hearing where the applicant
may present evidence upon the question of his application. Not less than 10
days before the date of such hearing, the Chief of Police shall cause to be
posted a notice of such hearing in a conspicuous place on the property in
which or on which the proposed massage establishment is to be operated. The
applicant shall maintain the notices posted for the required number of days.
A.
The Chief of Police or his designee may issue a permit
within 30 days following a hearing if all requirements for a massage establishment
described in this chapter are met and may issue a permit to all persons who
apply to perform massage services unless he finds:
(1)
The operation as proposed by the applicant, if permitted,
would not have complied with all the applicable laws, including, but not limited
to, the building, health, Town planning, housing, zoning and fire codes of
the Town.
(2)
That the applicant and any other person who will be directly
engaged in the management and operation of a massage establishment has been
convicted of:
B.
Each such establishment shall conform to all rules and
regulations contained herein and the State Sanitary Code as well as to such
terms and conditions as the State Commissioner of Public Health and/or the
local Director of Health find necessary and proper.
C.
The issuance of a massage establishment permit shall
be conditioned upon the right of the Chief of Police and the Director of Health
to inspect the premises during business hours.
A.
Any permit issued for a massage establishment may be
revoked or suspended by the Chief of Police or his designee after a hearing:
(1)
If it is found that the provisions of this chapter are
violated;
(2)
Where the permittee or any employee of the permittee, including a masseur or masseuse, has been convicted of any offense found in § 284-14, and the permittee has actual or constructive knowledge of the violation or conviction; or
(3)
Where the permittee or licensee refuses to permit any
duly authorized police officer or health inspector of the Town to inspect
the premises or the operation therein.
B.
The Chief of Police or his designate, before revoking
or suspending any permit, shall give the permittee at least 10 days' written
notice of the charges against him and the opportunity for a hearing, at which
time the permittee may present evidence bearing upon the question. In such
cases, the charges shall be specific and in writing.
No permit shall be transferable except with the written consent of the
Chief of Police or his designe and the approval of the Department of Public
Health, provided that, upon the death or incapacity of the permittee, the
massage establishment may continue in business for a reasonable period of
time to allow for an orderly transfer of permit.
No person, including an applicant for a massage establishment permit,
shall engage in the practice of massage without first having obtained a masseur
or masseuse permit from the Chief of Police or his designee upon a form provided
by the Chief of Police. The applicant shall pay a filing fee, which shall
not be refundable, as set by the Council in the schedule of fees.
A.
The application for a masseur or masseuse permit shall
contain the following:
(1)
Name and resident's address.
(2)
Social security number.
(3)
Applicant's weight, height, color of hair and eyes, and
fingerprints.
(4)
Written evidence that the applicant is at least 18 years
of age.
(5)
Business, occupation or employment of the applicant for
three years immediately preceding date of application.
(6)
Whether such person has ever been convicted of any crime
within the last 10 years except minor traffic violations. If any person mentioned
in this subsection has been so convicted, statement must be made giving the
place and court in which the conviction was obtained and the sentence imposed
as a result of such conviction.
(7)
Name and address of the recognized school attended, the
date attended, and a copy of the diploma or certificate of graduation awarded
the applicant, showing the applicant has successfully completed not less than
70 hours of instruction.
B.
Any masseur or masseuse so employed is required to present
a certificate from a physician licensed to practice in the State of Connecticut,
stating that the applicant has been examined and found to be free of any contagious
or communicable disease and showing that the examination was conducted within
30 days prior to the submission of the application.
A.
Applicants for a masseur or masseuse permit may substitute
one year's continuous experience as a masseur or masseuse in lieu of a requirement
of a diploma or certificate of graduation from a recognized school or other
institution of learning wherein the method and work of massage is taught.
Such masseur or masseuse must obtain an affidavit attesting to such experience
from the owner of the establishment where the continuous year of experience
occurred. If, after diligent effort, the masseur or masseuse is unable to
obtain an affidavit from the owner, such masseur or masseuse may submit an
affidavit from a person who has firsthand knowledge of his or her continuous
year of experience.
B.
Qualified instructors in the art of massage shall not
be required to obtain a masseur or masseuse permit unless such instructor
engages in the practice of massage.
The Chief of Police or his designee may issue a masseur or masseuse
permit within 21 days following application, unless he finds that the applicant
for the masseur or masseuse permit has been convicted of:
A.
A masseur or masseuse permit issued by the Chief of Police or his designee shall be revoked or suspended after a hearing before the Chief of Police where it appears that the masseur or masseuse has been convicted of any offense enumerated in § 284-14.
B.
The Chief of Police or his designee, before revoking
or suspending any masseur or masseuse permit, shall give the masseur or masseuse
at least 10 days' written notice of the examination into his conviction record
and the opportunity for a hearing before the Chief of Police, at which hearing
the Chief of Police or his designee shall determine the relevant facts regarding
the occurrences of the conviction.
A.
No permit to conduct the massage establishment shall
be issued unless an inspection by the Director of Public Health or his authorized
representative reveals that the establishment complies with each of the following
minimum requirements:
(1)
Construction of rooms used for toilets, tubs, steam baths
and showers shall be waterproofed with approved waterproof materials.
(2)
Toilet facilities shall be provided in convenient locations.
When five or more employees and patrons of different sexes are on the premises
at the same time, separate toilet facilities shall be provided. A single water
closet per section shall be provided for each 20 or more employees or patrons
of that sex on the premises at any one time. Urinals may be substituted for
water closets after one water closet has been provided. Toilets shall be designated
as to the sex accommodated therein.
(3)
Lavatories or wash basins provided with both hot and
cold running water should be installed in either the toilet room or vestibule.
Lavatories or wash basins shall be provided with soap in a dispenser and with
sanitary towels.
A.
Every portion of the massage establishment, including
appliances, apparatus and personnel, shall be kept clean and operated in a
sanitary condition.
B.
All employees shall be clean and wear clean outer garments
whose use is restricted to the massage establishment. Provisions for a separate
dressing room for each sex must be available on the premises with individual
lockers for each employee. Doors to such dressing rooms shall open inward
and shall be self-closing.
C.
All employees, masseurs and masseuses must be modestly
attired. Diaphanous, flimsy, transparent, form-fitting or tight clothing is
prohibited. Clothing must cover the employee's, masseur's or masseuse's chest
at all times.
D.
Private parts of patrons must be covered by towels, cloth
or garments when in the presence of any employee, masseur or masseuse. Any
contact with a patron's genital area is strictly prohibited.
E.
All massage establishments shall be provided with clean,
laundered sheets and towels in sufficient quantity and shall be laundered
after each use thereof and stored in an approved sanitary manner.
F.
Wet and dry heat rooms, shower compartments, and toilet
rooms shall be thoroughly cleaned each day business is in operation. Bathtubs
shall be thoroughly cleansed after each use.
G.
No massage establishment granted a permit under the provisions of this chapter shall place, publish or distribute, or cause to be placed, published or distributed, any advertising material that depicts any portion of the human body that would reasonably suggest to prospective patrons that any services are available other than those services as described in § 284-1, or that employees, masseurs or masseuses are dressed in any manner other than described in Subsection C hereof, nor shall any massage establishment indicate in the text of such advertising that any services are available other than those services described in § 284-1.
H.
Health services defined as a "massage" must be carried
on in one cubicle, room, booth or area within the massage establishment. No
massage service may be carried on in any cubicle, room, booth or area except
where such cubicle, room, booth or area has doors or walls so that all activity
within a cubicle, room, booth or area is visible from outside the same. No
massage service or practice shall be carried on within any cubicle, room,
booth, or any area within a massage establishment which is fitted with a door
capable of being locked.
I.
A massage establishment shall not engage in or conduct
business before 8:00 a.m. or after 11:00 p.m.
J.
No alcoholic beverages or other intoxicants shall be
displayed, served, ingested or sold on the premises of the massage establishment.
K.
A full schedule of service rates shall be posted in a
prominent place within the massage establishment in such a manner as to come
to the attention of all patrons. No charges other than the specified rates
for specified services are to be allowed without the patron being notified
of the full cost prior to the rendering of any service.
A.
Every person who engages in or conducts a massage establishment
shall keep a daily register, approved as to form by the Chief of Police or
his designee, of all patrons with names, addresses and hours of arrival and,
if applicable, the rooms or cubicles assigned. The daily register shall at
all times during business hours be subject to inspection by Health Department
officials and by the Police Department and shall be kept on file for one year.
B.
No person shall give, sign or use any false name or address
in the daily register required to be kept by the massage establishment.
The Police Department and the Department of Public Health shall, at
least twice a year, make an inspection of each massage establishment in the
Town for the purposes of determining that the provisions of this chapter are
complied with. Such inspections shall be made at a reasonable time and in
a reasonable manner. No permittee shall fail to allow such inspection officer
access to the premises or to hinder such officer in any manner.
A.
No person holding a permit under this chapter shall treat
a person of the opposite sex, except upon the signed order of a licensed physician,
osteopath, chiropractor, or registered physical therapist, which order shall
be dated and shall specifically state the number of treatments, not to exceed
10. The date and hour of each treatment given and the name of the operator
shall be entered on such order by the establishment where such treatments
are given and shall be subject to inspection by the police. The requirements
of this subsection shall not apply to treatments given in the residence of
a patient, the office of a licensed physician, osteopath or registered physical
therapist, chiropractor, or in a regularly established and licensed hospital
or sanitarium.
B.
No permittee shall administer massage on an outcall basis.
Such person shall administer massage solely within an establishment licensed
to carry on such business under this chapter. Any violation of these provisions
shall be deemed grounds for revocation of the permit granted hereunder. The
restriction on outcall massage shall not apply to a permittee who performs
outcall massage as defined herein upon a customer or client who, because of
reasons of physical defects or incapacities or due to illness, is physically
unable to travel to the massage establishment. If any outcall massage is performed
under this exception, a record of the date and hour of each treatment, and
the name and address of the customer or client, and the name of the employee
administering such treatment and the type of treatment administered, as well
as the nature of the physical defect, incapacity or illness of said client
or customer, shall be kept by the licensee or person or employee designated
by the licensee. Such records shall be open to inspection by officials charged
with the enforcement of public health laws. The information furnished or secured
as a result of any such inspection shall be confidential. Any unauthorized
disclosure or use of such information by an employee or the business or the
Town shall be unlawful.
Every person, except persons who are specifically exempt by this chapter,
whether acting as individuals, owner, employee of the owner, operator or employee
of operator, or acting as a participant or worker in any way, who gives massages
or conducts a massage establishment without first obtaining a permit and paying
a license fee to the Town or who violates any of the provisions of this chapter,
shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
