PAWTUCKET, R.I. (AP) - The owners of two Pawtucket massage parlors have sued the city for a second time over an ordinance intended to prevent sex trafficking.
The owners of Harmony Spa and Far East claim the ordinance restricts business and is racially biased. A judge ruled that Pawtucket did not have the authority to pass the ordinance in March.
Gov. Gina Raimondo signed a law allowing local governments to regulate unlicensed massage parlors in August.
The Pawtucket Times (https://bit.ly/2jiTMca ) reports that the city passed a new ordinance requiring massage parlors to obtain licensing in December. The registration includes background checks, zoning compliance, and tax verification.
City officials deny the ordinance is racially motivated and maintain it is a public safety matter. A hearing will be held in March if necessary.
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Information from: The Times, https://www.pawtuckettimes.com
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