Alderman Jennifer Notariano responds to massage parlor ordinance concerns - FOX Illinois

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS) — One Springfield alderman responded to concerns about a recent ordinance passed by Springfield’s city council.

New regulations for massage parlors were put in place in June, which includes requiring these businesses to register with the city and have their employees’ licenses by the state.

It came after an investigation into two Springfield massage parlors on suspicion of prostitution and sex trafficking.

Alderwoman Jennifer Notariano walked NewsChannel20 through how the city is implementing the new ordinance.

Notariano said the city sent massage establishments a notice concerning the application in late summer. The city gave the businesses 45 days to respond and send in an application. Now, those applications are being processed and inspected.

Notariano said she understands that there are some frustrations about the process seeming to go slowly.

"Because this is a new role for everyone who's working through the application process and the inspection process, we don't yet know how long it's going to take. Once we get a better idea of how long it's going to take to actually put this policy into practice, then we'll be able to be more transparent,” Notariano said.

More than 50 establishments applied and are now going through the inspection process. So far, only a few licenses have been issued.

Notariano said if a business violates a part of the ordinance, the city will have the authority shut down those businesses during the investigation.

If a business loses their license and is shut down, the mayor will make the final decision on whether the business can reopen or reapply for a license.

Notariano said the city will shut down businesses as soon as possible.