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Bibb Commissioners Back Possible Massage Parlor Ordinance
Kendall Herold
Story Created:
Feb 16, 2010 at 5:53 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Feb 16, 2010 at 11:29 PM CDT
Four Seasons Sauna here on Arkwright Road is just one of 20 massage parlors located in the Macon area. According to Middle Georgia Alert, that's eight times as much per capita as Washington D.C., giving Macon the nickname 'the red light district of Georgia'.
Bibb County Commissioners are now on board to propose an ordinance that could put an end to the massage parlor business in Middle Georgia. Commissioners heard the disturbing facts from Middle Georgia Alert at their meeting Tuesday.
Andrew Silver with Middle Georgia Alert explained, "Every other major city in Georgia has ordinances in the books to regulate this Wild West, this criminal underworld of massage parlors, that are fronts for prostitution, besides Macon."
Commissioners say the county needs to put an end to the destruction.
Commissioner Joe Allen commented, "You've got people, in essence, promoting prostitution. That's the bottom line."
Chairman Sam Hart added, "It just slipped up on us. And the problem grew while we were concentrating on other things."
Sheriff Jerry Modena says Bibb County has used some tactic in trying to stop massage parlor activity, but without an actual law, it's almost impossible.
"Many times these young ladies are frightened. They've been told they have to work off the cost of bringing them to the United States, and they feel like the police aren't able to help them. So when we go in, they say nothing, they stay out of sight."
And Middle Georgia Alert says putting a law into effect is the only way to stop the modern day slavery.
"If the ordinance works as it has in 55 other cities around Georgia, you will see a drastic reduction in the bold operation of the criminal sex industry here in town," explained Silver.
Commissioners are discussing the possible ordinance with the Mayor's Office, as well as the City Attorney.
They'll vote on the ordinance at the March 2nd Commission meeting.
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Den Mal said on Monday, Feb 22 at 7:01 AM
Robert, You evidently don't know what happens to the women who are trafficked. Some are killed and raped, held hostage against their will. I consider that violent crime, and it's done under the guise of a "legal business". Just because you don't visit the parlors there are plenty others who do. Here are some facts: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/trafficking/about/fact_sex.pdf In addition, an old quote rings so true today, "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." (Edmund Burke)
Liscensed Therapist said on Thursday, Feb 18 at 10:16 PM
Ok whatever you say "Spas Rock" .. Go get a REAL girlfriend that can take care of you rather than all the "Prostitutes" your obviously messing with !!
Spas Rock said on Thursday, Feb 18 at 9:54 PM
The LMT give spas a bad name. The Asian gals know how to please a man and give better massages than any LMT.
Liscensed Therapist said on Wednesday, Feb 17 at 10:21 PM
Prostitution parlors give all :LMT Bad names !!! I wish they would just Close EVERY "Parlor" down !!! Go to An Actual "Day Spa" if u Want A Nice Clean Atmosphere to Pamper yourself !!
truth detector said on Wednesday, Feb 17 at 7:48 PM
Local ordinances are fascist restrictions which don't work. Spas are all over the state and serve us well. Willing buyer and willing seller. Allen focused citizens on this issue and is sneaking in a property tax hike which will harm all of us and our families. What a thief and con artist.
legitmassage said on Wednesday, Feb 17 at 9:41 AM
Bibb Co needs to do some research--there is a STATE law that already regulates massage----if the county is smart it will save its enforcement money and report the illegal businesses to the massage board and let it do its work---the reason massage parlors are declining all over Georgia is because the massage law was passed a few years ago. Local laws NEVER did much to curb "parlors." SAVE YOUR MONEY, BIBB COUNTY.
Robert said on Tuesday, Feb 16 at 10:28 PM
With all the violent crime in Macon, it seems ridiculous that about every other day there is some new focus on the massage parlor. Wow,other than the tax money the city and state are not getting, are they really more important than unsolved murders and rapes? Since I have never been to nor plan to visit a massage parlor they do not concern me at all. Why is it such a big concern of the Macon Police Department and city government?
Four Seasons said on Tuesday, Feb 16 at 9:05 PM
Go see Mimi at Four Seasons! She rocks!
david said on Tuesday, Feb 16 at 9:03 PM
The Fascist ordinance will not work. Spas still operate in Atlanta,Doraville,Buford,Cumming,Roswell,and Alpharetta and all have ordinances.Ya'll come ya here!
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