Tag: massage therapy

Council approves revised massage ordinance

Challenges to immigrant therapists remain
by Yucheng Tang | Posted November 5, 2025
Massage therapist Amy Alward is skeptical the ordinance will be effective. Photo by Yucheng Tang.

The Chico City Council unanimously approved Nov. 4 a new massage ordinance aimed at preventing human trafficking and illicit activity in local establishments. The ordinance establishes several operational standards for massage businesses and was developed after multiple rounds of community engagement.

Initially, the proposal required all massage practitioners to be certified by the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC).

After community feedback, the ordinance was revised to include several exemptions. Long-time practitioners can now receive a permanent exemption from CAMTC certification by providing proof of prior massage-related education and at least five years of work experience as massage therapists.  read more

Massage ordinance could pose challenge to immigrant workers

by Yucheng Tang | Posted August 22, 2025
Dan Hays. Photo by Yucheng Tang.

The City Council considered a new ordinance that would establish several operational standards for the conduct of massage establishments at its Aug. 19 meeting.

Under the new ordinance, all massage practitioners would have to be certified by the state massage practitioner regulatory body, California Massage Therapy Council (CMTAC).

Code Enforcement Supervisor Charlene Durkin said the goal is to address prostitution and human trafficking in the industry.

Three massage practitioners and stakeholders voiced objections to the ordinance during the meeting. 

Dan Hays, whose wife runs a massage parlor, stressed that he doesn’t oppose an ordinance, but the problem is that the city’s massage therapists were not engaged in the process.   read more