Henderson tightens ordinance on massage businesses

Owners of massage and reflexology establishments in Henderson no longer will be able to duck responsibility should one of their employees be arrested for prostitution on the premises.

A loophole in the ordinance that prevented the city from building a record of violations was closed on Tuesday by the Henderson City Council. The loophole prevented the city from taking punitive action in such cases, Business License supervisor Ken Lowery said.

The city also made it clear the problem doesn't extend to all 40 massage and reflexology establishments licensed to do business in Henderson. But those that have been involved in violations often deny having any knowledge of employee wrongdoing and escaped accountability.

The changes approved by council members Tuesday mean that no longer will be accepted as a valid excuse.

Last month, Mayor Andy Hafen said several complaints about such outlets prompted the city to investigate allegations that women were selling sexual favors.

Henderson police have made a few arrests after undercover stings. The city's code compliance and business license departments also have issued citations for violations from solicitation of prostitution to working without a masseuse license.

In other business, Kenneth Hadley, owner of Spa 35, which the city closed in September after two workers were arrested, including one for soliciting a Henderson police officer, withdrew his appeal of his business license revocation.

Hadley lost the license in June after investigators cited the business for having unlicensed masseuses working on site. The city in July allowed him to reopen with conditions.

In September, Henderson police officers were solicited by one employee and found another was drinking alcohol.

The Stephanie Street business is now permanently closed, city public information officer Kathy Blaha said.

The revised changes to the city's ordinance take effect Friday.

Contact Doug McMurdo at dmcmurdo@reviewjournal.com or 702-224-5512.