Six body works businesses in Watertown have been closed indefinitely after being found to be in violation of the City’s new body works regulations.
The inspections aimed at not only ensuring that the businesses were in compliance with the updated regulations, but also “to safeguard residents, legitimate businesses, and potential victims of human trafficking,” according to an announcement on the Watertown Police Department’s social media.
“All six were found to be in violation of regulations set by the Watertown Board of Health, the Building Department, and the Zoning Department, as well as the Massachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure. These establishments will not be permitted to reopen until they meet the required standards established by these agencies,” the Watertown Police announcement said.
The inspections were conducted by the Watertown Health Department, in coordination with Watertown Police, Watertown Zoning and Building Departments, and the Occupational Licensing Division of Massachusetts. The FBI Human Trafficking Task Force also provided assistance.
“This multi-agency initiative has been in development for several months. Historically, certain businesses have operated under the loosely regulated category of ‘Body Works,’ effectively circumventing state massage therapy regulations. This practice has often been exploited by individuals engaged in illicit or unsafe activity, creating public health and safety risks and, in some cases, contributing to human trafficking networks,” the announcement said.
All employees present during the inspections were offered services by the Watertown Police and the FBI Human Trafficking Task Force, including information on victim assistance, outreach contacts, and ways for those seeking help or wishing to report concerns related to exploitation or unsafe working conditions, the Watertown Police said.
The six businesses had recently completed the licensing process to meet City and state regulations. The new regulations were established to provide stronger oversight and clearer licensing requirements “intended to eliminate unlawful practices and ensure that all establishments operate legitimately and responsibly,” according to the announcement.
On a related note, I was walking through Watertown Square recently, and I noticed rather a lot of massage parlors in the area. (I did an internet search to confirm; see for yourselves.) I guess we are the Longwood Medical Center of aches and pains. I have never hired a professional masseur/masseuse myself, here or elsewhere, so I have no comment on the profession, but I did wonder about the concentration in one area. Perhaps after the redesign of the Square, businesses will be diversified beyond rubdowns. At least clients will be able to bike to their appointments!
Although this is bad news, it is good news for the City that all relevant City departments worked in coordination to make this happen.
Since her hiring as our new Health Department director, Abbie Myers has worked tirelessly to improve the health and safety of the citizens and workers in Watertown.
Another new set of guidelines that she spearheaded, the dumpster regulations, is a well-needed regulation in this rat-challenged city!
Congratulations to all City departments involved in working so effectively to eliminate this safety menace in our city! Hopefully, those workers in the businesses involved, if feeling threatened, etc. , will take the opportunity offered to them to get help.