The city has laid 18 charges against the owner and staff of a body rub parlour operating in northeast Hamilton.

Municipal bylaw staff and Hamilton police executed a search warrant Feb. 12 at Venus Spa at 667 Parkdale Ave. N. near Burlington Street. They laid charges against three female occupants for body rubbing without a licence, and one female occupant was charged with operating without a licence.

On Feb. 20, seven charges were laid against the owner, Nazzareno Ticchiarelli, and seven charges were laid against 1716906 Ontario Inc. for the operation of an adult services entertainment establishment and body rub parlour without a licence, along with other violations that weren't specified by the city.

Ticchiarelli was released after he was charged and will appear in court at a future date.

Fines for operating without a licence are up to $25,000 for an individual and $50,000 for a corporation.

The city licenses a maximum of two body rub parlours within the city limits.

"In addition to the typical licensing requirements, such as a copy of business registration, zoning verification, fire, health and building inspections, body rub parlours and attendants require a criminal reference check from Hamilton Police Services and driving record checks — all provisions that help to ensure public safety," said Marty Hazell, director of parking and bylaw services.

It costs $1,235 a year to license a manager and $435 for a body rub attendant.

The two legal parlours are the King Sherman Sauna at 893 King St. E. and the Garden of Eden Spa at 549 Kenilworth Ave. N. All staff must be individually licensed.

Hamilton's bylaws govern the licensing of all adult entertainment establishments, including strip clubs and adult video outlets.

The city says it is still investigating.