ST. CHARLES – The city’s “strong stance” on massage parlors is about to get even stronger.

Acting as the Government Operations Committee, St. Charles alderman on June 20 unanimously endorsed tweaks to the city’s rules regarding massage establishment licenses.

“I really like the fact that we’re trying to get better,” 3rd Ward Alderman Todd Bancroft said.

The city revised the St. Charles Municipal Code in 2014 so that massage parlor licensees are held responsible for violations. At the time, the St. Charles Liquor Control Commission – which oversees the massage licenses – expressed hope that the regulation would give local massage parlors credibility after three prostitution arrests earlier that year.

While presenting the proposed changes, Police Chief James Keegan described the city leaders as “trailblazers” regarding the regulation and said aldermen “have taken a strong stance” on the issue.

The city has revoked four massage licenses, he noted, adding the St. Charles Liquor Control Commission meeting earlier that day featured two additional hearings about alleged violations.

Pending City Council approval, changes to the ordinance address such topics as exterior window coverings, recidivism and people living at the business. Keegan said the latter is indicative of of human trafficking.

“We’re not going to tolerate it,” he said.

The changes also address burdens placed on some businesses.

Under the existing ordinance, licensees are required to have the premises supervised at all times when open, Keegan said, describing situations that would require two employees present. He said that has been a “real hardship” for massage therapists who provide services only by appointment, so the amended ordinance excludes them from that rule.

Bancroft complimented Keegan for providing relief for concerns expressed by those in the industry. He added that shows the ordinance is getting better.

Fifth Ward Alderman Maureen Lewis, 4th Ward Alderman Steve Gaugel and 2nd Ward Alderman Rita Payleitner thanked Keegan for his work on the proposed changes.

“I do want to commend the chief for his diligence of fine-tuning our massage ordinance,” Payleitner said. She noted it is also a benefit for the towns who look to St. Charles for guidance on the issue.