Massage parlors band together to remain in Garapan district

At least seven massage parlors want their masseuses licensed by the government and are complying with other requirements of the Saipan Zoning Law to be able to continue operating in the tourist district of Garapan beyond September.

Currently, there is no licensing requirement for those who want to be employed as a masseuse at massage parlors on Saipan.

But seven massage parlors are now banding together to form a business association that will uphold the masseuse profession and come up with a code of conduct so as not to be lumped together with so-called “adult businesses.”

Kin Wan, secretary of the proposed Saipan Professional Massage Committee, told Saipan Tribune yesterday that the group’s members are legitimate massage parlors that have invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in renovations to comply with the zoning law.

“We are willing to comply with the law. We agree to have our masseuses licensed; otherwise, we’ll be asked to move out of Garapan in September and if that happens, we will lose our investments and revenue,” Wan said.

He cited as an example Pure Spa, which spent some $200,000 to renovate its facility in Garapan to make it look better and cleaner, to comply with the zoning law.

The proposed Saipan Professional Massage Committee consists so far of Mirage Massage, Light Massage, Relax Massage, VIP Massage, Pure Spa, Palms Springs Spa, and Dolphin Salon.

“Business is bad. …Around 9pm, not a lot of tourists and others can be seen in Garapan. Can you imagine if even massage parlors move out of Garapan in September? We want to stay in Garapan. We are legitimate massage parlors and we want to comply with government requirements,” said Wan, adding that Mirage Massage, for example, has been operating on the island for 18 years.

Members of the group have been meeting with Zoning administrator Steve Tilley on how to best comply with the requirements of the law.

Tilley, in a separate interview yesterday, said by forming a business association, legitimate massage parlors can come up with a set of standards that will enhance their business image.

He said the Zoning Office acknowledges the willingness of several massage parlors to make the necessary changes to comply with the law.

Tilley confirmed that the same group of massage parlors expressed willingness to have their masseuses licensed or certified by the professional licensing board.

Adult businesses in Garapan have until March 1 to comply with the Saipan Zoning Law.

Tilley said by March 2, the Zoning Office will start issuing fines of up to $1,000 per day to businesses that don’t comply.

Some examples of the requirements for adult business building design are: screening openings so the public can’t see inside; posting signs to prevent minors from entering; no outdoor loudspeakers; lighted walkways; and clean and neat exterior.

For adult business signs, the following need to be complied with: not using flashing lights, neon or other internally illuminated signs or up-lighting; using English text with non-English in exact translation and not larger than the English; not more than one primary and one secondary sign that meet specific size requirements; and using solid color letters and background.

“Adult business” includes massage parlors, strip clubs, porno shops, and other places that meet the specific definition in the Saipan Zoning Law.

Bars and karaoke clubs that have bar girls or hostesses but do not display specified anatomical areas or specified sexual activities are not considered adult businesses. Mainline video stores that have an adult section where minors are not allowed may also be exempt.

To help businesses comply, the Zoning Office will be conducting training sessions on March 10 and 12 at the Multi-Purpose Building in Susupe about the Saipan Zoning Law of 2008.