The Louisville Metro Council Public Safety Committee voted Thursday to move forward with a package of amendments to the city’s massage‑facility ordinance. Councilman Jeff Hudson, who co‑sponsored the changes, said the revisions strike a balance between supporting legitimate massage businesses and protecting the community from illicit operations that facilitate human trafficking.
Key changes to the ordinance
The proposed language would repeal the current requirement that all massage establishments install video cameras. Under the amendment, video monitoring would become optional for most licensed facilities, giving owners greater flexibility while still allowing law‑enforcement to request footage when needed.
In addition, the bill would permit licensed spas to offer amenities such as champagne during treatments, a move aimed at helping small businesses compete and attract clientele without compromising professional standards.
Addressing privacy and trafficking concerns
Hudson emphasized that the revisions also improve customer privacy. “When you listen to all the stakeholders and bring them into the room, you get a more balanced solution,” he said, noting that the task force consulted over 40 massage‑therapy professionals before drafting the changes.
The amendments retain strong language to combat illegal massage parlors that are often used as fronts for human trafficking. By giving the Metro Council clearer authority to target and shut down such operations, the city hopes to protect vulnerable individuals while preserving the rights of lawful business owners.
Next steps
The measure now heads to the full Metro Council for a vote next Thursday. If approved, the changes would become law later this year, giving legitimate massage providers a more favorable regulatory environment and enhancing the city’s ability to fight trafficking.
Council members and local business owners alike have expressed optimism that the revised ordinance will foster a healthier marketplace while safeguarding public safety. “We’d rather take the time to get it right than rush a flawed rule through,” Hudson added.
Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.
