Need a Back Rub? Following Prostitution Sting, All Marion Masseuses Need Massage Licenses

What started as a prostitution sting at two massage parlors in Marion has ended with new laws directed at those offering massages for pay.

Last year, Marion Police arrested four people for prostitution-related charges at two separate massage businesses, Asian Massage and Massage Heaven. Last week, City Council updated the city code to require those that practice massage have a state license or suffer penalties.

City Council members unanimously approved the third and final reading of an ordinance change for removal of Massage Establishments from the definition of public amusements and adding a provision prohibiting the practice of Massage Therapy by persons without a state license and providing penalties.

City Attorney Don Hoskins stated that he provided a massage therapist who requested the changes with a draft of the ordinance and "she was satisfied with the changes," according to minutes from the meeting last week.

According to Radio Iowa, Lorice Amlin, of Marion and a licensed massage therapist for 20 years, supports required licensure.

In addition, Amlin believes someone could get hurt if the individual giving the massage isn’t properly trained. “As a licensed massage therapist, we welcome the licensing and the regulation because it provides protection for the consumer,” Amlin said.