The moratorium on new massage businesses in Hayward has ended after new changes to the city’s massage ordinance was approved at the May 5 city council meeting.
The moratorium was first placed in December after the Hayward Police Department learned about alleged commercial sex work taking place in permitted and unpermitted massage businesses in the city.
The department was a part of a multi-agency investigation on brothels that led to the arrest of three people in December. Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office said in a press release that the suspects operated brothels that were legally known as massage parlors, including one in Hayward. The operation resulted in the discovery of 40 women allegedly involved in commercial sex work.
The new amendments include expanding the definition of “owner” of a massage parlor to include anyone who has at least 5% ownership or interest in the business. The massage business applicant has to provide contact information from the property owner and an acknowledgement from the owner saying they are aware of the nature of the business existing on their property.
The applicant also has to report any sexual activity that can constitute a criminal offense, whether or not charges were made. The permit length was also shortened from two years to one year.
