Letter: Massage licenses: Employ effective strategies - Sioux Falls Argus Leader

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An empty massage room in the spa area of Envive Chiropractic Friday, Oct. 30, 2015, in downtown Sioux Falls.(Photo: Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)Buy Photo


In regard to Gov. Dennis Daugaard’s recent comments on massage licenses.

I have been a practicing massage therapist and small business owner in Sioux Falls for many years.

While I agree with the governor that legitimate massage therapists really don’t need a massage board, unfortunately it’s one of the only checks and balances our industry has to shut down illegal massage parlors engaging in prostitution and human trafficking, which has been a major issue in Sioux Falls and our state in the last few years.

Our current massage board is in the process of hiring a new executive secretary, which is needed to get someone who has the time and energy to proactively work for massage therapists in our state and to protect our industry’s reputation.

I do not believe the public at large has been aware of the number of illegal establishments that have been operating all over Sioux Falls in the last few years. Establishments are offering adult services and potentially engaging in human trafficking.

We are a dominant Christian area. I do not beleive the public at large would support these establishments operating in our community.

Without a massage board, we have no checks and balances – unless you replace the massage board with a statewide establishment license requirement that would require all therapists to have one to operate, as well as require all therapists to have a license displayed in their therapy room and place of business. A license issued from the Health Department proving that they have met the education and insurance requirements to perform massage therapy in our state.

Massage parlors are usually lacking proper documentation and that would be the easiest way to shut them down. Establishment licenses would create a clear violation of the rules, the same way a bar without a liquor license cannot sell alcohol and would be shut down immediately if they did sell alcohol without a license.

I do not support prostitution or human trafficking in our state. We need a more effective massage board, with a new executive secretary or an establishment license – or better yet, both. Please let the governor know your thoughts on this subject, by registering your comments at sd.gov/governor/contact/contact.aspx.

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