FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Authorities raided more than a dozen Forsyth County spas and massage businesses Friday.
Investigators say several of the business were operating illegally by violating new stricter codes.
After the midday raids at 15 businesses, five parlors were shut down for code enforcement violations. Eighteen citations were also written on 10 businesses. %
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Earlier this year, the sheriff pushed the county to impose stricter codes on massage businesses after many massage businesses, who were forced out of neighboring counties, began to set up shop in Forsyth. The business owners were informed of the changes back in January and had two months to get in line.
“They can't have poorly lit areas. They can't have tinted window or windows that are covered up, like the one was saw over there,” said Cpl. Robin Regan, with the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office. "They also have to have a licensed therapist on the property to keep within the ordinance.”
Many of the spas under scrutiny are in strip shopping centers. Employees at nearby shops told Channel 2’s Tom Regan they were happy to see the raid, and authorities getting tough on spas that don't follow the law.
“It's great that they’re cracking down. These ladies, they'll troll the parking lot when there's no one in there,” said Mary Cagle.
Regan spoke with one spa owner about the citations and what she planned to do.
“I will close the door today and do everything the police ask me to do,” she said.
No businesses were citing for criminal violations, but the sheriff department says they will continue to monitor businesses for illegal activity, including prostitution.
Cox Media Group
