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A touchy subject: County to raise fees for massage businesses
It will cost massage therapists more to put their healing hands on aching necks and backs in Loudoun.
On June 3, the Board of Supervisors approved a request by the Sheriff's Office to increase the permit fees it charges masseuses and massage businesses to operate in the county.
These businesses will now have to pay the Sheriff's Office $200 (up from $100) to obtain a massage service license and $100 (up from $50) for a renewal.
Also, because of last week's action, only businesses that are headquartered within 100 miles of Loudoun can now offer massage services in Loudoun. The move further restricts an industry that sometimes attracts illicit businesses. Last August, authorities shut down a massage parlor in Sterling Park after finding evidence of prostitution.
Loudoun has 44 licensed massage service businesses, according to the Sheriff's Office, which collects about $5,000 a year from them. The changes, officials estimate, will net the department an additional $5,000 annually.
During last week's discussion, some supervisors asked why not raise the fees even more.
"We really don't want to hit their pockets too hard," explained Capt. Greg Brown, with the Sheriff's Office. "Anyone who receives a legitimate massage knows these people struggle just as much as a hair stylist or a barber."
He said the reason for the increase is that the fees have remained unchanged for a decade. The money collected, he said, will be used to offset costs in the Sheriff's Office's criminal investigation division.
Supervisor Eugene Delgaudio (R-Sterling) said he hopes the measures will discourage more of these businesses from setting up shop in Loudoun.
"For me, I don't want to see any more massage parlors," he said.
Contact the reporter at jjacks@timespapers.com
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