Several massage parlors in Springfield have been closed. On Jan. The closure prohibits occupancy and operating as a massage parlor within the city until the business complies with city regulations for parlors. More: 'An easy way to handle this': Six massage parlors have still not responded to city demands. The city did not provide an exact number of how many parlors were closed. City attorney Greg Moredock said over the phone that several listed businesses closed on Friday after a slew of inspections the same day.
Three of the closed locations had never submitted an application for a license in the first place and inspectors had found the places remaining in operation. If a closed location fails their inspection and remains in operation, Moredock said the city can take administrative action with fines, or enforcement of closure through circuit courts.
The city passed the new ordinance last June which requires all massage parlors in the city to be licensed and up to code with licensed massage therapists and inspections from multiple city branches.
Moredock said in late January 48 locations around the city were determined to be massage parlors operating without a license. Following three letters of demand and one round of phone calling, six of the 48 establishments did not respond to city inquiry for inspection. More: 'This is ultimately to make everyone safer.
The recent investigations come after growing outrage and frustration from city residents alleging the parlors are being used for human trafficking. Multiple massage parlors around the city can be linked to online advertisements on adult websites stating the business location, hours and girls offered.
