Massage businesses are shut down
By Terry Murry on Thursday, May 18th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
KENNEWICK – Six massage businesses in Kennewick were closed Tuesday for non-compliance of licensing requirements after compliance checks were conducted by the Kennewick Police Department, area law enforcement partners, and the Washington State Department of Health. Authorities said four of the six businesses were allegedly offering sexual services.
The businesses who were contacted and closed are Joy Spa, Shangri La Massage, Dream Spa, VIP Massage, Fragrant Oil Spa and Royal Massage. KPD did not specify which businesses were also involved in allegedly offering sexual services.
The compliance checks were conducted following months of complaints received by the police department of criminal activity and business license violations occurring at massage businesses throughout the city.
Mirror Ministries, a non-profit organization who serves the needs of human trafficking survivors, assisted by providing support services to the females contacted during the compliance checks. KPD and DOH encourages the public to check for proper massage therapy licensing before receiving treatment by visiting https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/provider-credential-search
