Massage businesses that lose their licenses because of violations would be banned from reopening for five years under an updated ordinance unanimously approved Tuesday by the Carlsbad City Council.
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The city recently closed two massage businesses for prostitution that afterward tried unsuccessfully to reopen under the name of another family member or an associate, said Carlsbad police Lt. Alonso DeVelasco.
“It is not uncommon for a massage business that has been closed for a violation to attempt to reopen at the same location under a different applicant or business entity,” DeVelasco said. “We have observed this pattern at several locations in recent months.”
The proposed update would add several new provisions to massage business regulations, including a requirement for applicants to get background investigations from the California Department of Justice and the FBI. Also, to cover the costs of staff time and resources, the update adds fees of $142 for a city license application and $706 to appeal the denial of a license.
“These changes strengthen the city’s ability to deter repeat violations,” DeVelasco said.
Also under the update, interior doors must be locked during massages, the operator must keep a record of services provided, and the consumption of alcoholic beverages and controlled substances, and the sale of adult-oriented merchandise are prohibited.
“Since the City Council adopted amendments to the massage ordinance in 2025, the Police Department has successfully shut down five illicit massage businesses engaged in prostitution-related services,” DeVelasco said. “The proposed amendments build on that success.”
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Final approval of the amended ordinance is expected at another City Council meeting in the next few weeks. After that, it will take effect in 15 days.
“This is so important to keep Carlsbad massage treatment safe,” said Councilmember Teresa Acosta.
“If people do want to go get a massage for whatever reason… it needs to be a legal, lawful, normal massage,” she said.
Four Carlsbad massage businesses were shut down in March after a six-month-long prostitution investigation, city officials said at the time.
Ocean Mist Massage, Happy Shiatsu Spa, Imperial Massage Spa and King Spa were all accused of operating illegal services, resulting in seven arrests and the seizure of $35,477 in cash, according to the Police Department.
Police said the investigation was launched after reports from community members and business owners.
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