Massage Parlor Reports

[iamioman]

In early June it was Pawtucket Police that made the rounds of the spas in the city, letting each know what was coming down the pike. ...That's why I suspect it will be Pawtucket Police at the head of the spear, as well as doing what they can to intimidate potential customers.

Thanks for the details. I don't disagree that police can (and maybe will) be used to spread the news as a way of intimidating the spas (and customers), my comments were largely in response to a few people here who seemed to be claiming a raid was an all but certainty so it wasn't 'safe' to go to spas anymore.

So not disputeing your point that police might be spreading the news, just pointing out there is big difference between police talking to a business owner about new city licensing regulations and police bursting in arresting staff and customers alike (a raid) and charging people with crimes.

I know there's been a couple of raids in new England in the not to long ago past, but I don't remember details. Anyone remember if any of the spa raids in NE resulted in arrests of customers?

[Fly Dangler]

would police really be the ones checking on enforcing business regulations?

In early June it was Pawtucket Police that made the rounds of the spas in the city, letting each know what was coming down the pike. Main Therapy closed for good based on what was said in that visit, Pleasant closed for a couple days then reopened (but was not the same as before) and the others continued as if nothing had happened. That's why I suspect it will be Pawtucket Police at the head of the spear, as well as doing what they can to intimidate potential customers.

[iamioman]

How is it "as safe today as it has ever been" when we know there will potentially be a raid at any moment. Ya, I know they shut down providence quietly, without raids, but who knows what will happen in pawtucket.

How is "as safe today as it has ever been"? Simple, it's NEVER been illegal to get a massage. It's never been illegal to go to a spa. It's still not. So, it's just as safe (legally) as it's ever been.

If you are engaging in illegal activities, whatever it is hasn't suddenly become illegal because no new laws were passed. There's no new illegality or category of activity which is illegal, so you aren't doing anything more illegal now than if you did the same activity a month or two ago.

The new city rules or ordinances proscribe what spas can do and can't do, but these rules are aimed at SPAS and people who work at spas NOT at customers of spas. If a spa isn't following the rules then it's a regulation compliance issue, NOT a legal issue, not an issue for law enforcement.

Yes it's just a guess, but given that Pawtucket is following providence and cranston's playbook, there's absolutely no reason to think they are going to do something high profile like raid a spa (which would require a sting to gather evidence to get a search warrant) other than paranoia, but that could have happened at ANY time you go to a spa.

I don't argue that the spas in PAtwucket will probably be closing in the very near future, but regardless of whether they are about to close or not, or even if police raid a spa, legally, it's as safe as it has ever been to get a massage.

[JWill321]

In light of the insanity, I decided to make one last pilgrimage to FE before the sun sets on our little state. I managed to get a lineup and there were like 8 girls available. I haven't seen that since DT was at custom house. I picked Lucky and she as absolutely fantastic. I am sad I won't be able to see her again.

An interesting note is that at some point during the session, something spooked them and I had to be covered for a few minutes while she left the room. Everything was back to normal shortly after.

[Member #5912]

"Not Safe"? It's as safe today as it has ever been since to get a massage, at least until spas start operating under new rules.
Have to wonder thogh, would police really be the ones checking on enforcing business regulations? I would think it would be board of health or some agency, police don't enforce business code violations.

How is it "as safe today as it has ever been" when we know there will potentially be a raid at any moment. Ya, I know they shut down providence quietly, without raids, but who knows what will happen in pawtucket. We're all speculating, therefore because of the uncertainty I don't feel it's as safe as it was before. Based on what I've heard, read, and what my gut feeling is, I would guess that there is less than a week or two left. Possibly even days. As a matter of fact I wouldn't be surprised one bit if the shoe dropped this Sunday morning. The city council overrode the mayor's veto on Wednesday. This hobby is toast. Have you been to the spa's lately? I went to harmony last week. You could tell the mamasam knew that gig was up. She made zero effort to hide customers from each other. I literally saw 4 other customers while I was there. That is not normal operational procedure. They know it's over.

My last visit about a week ago at FE, I asked my provider about the rule change. She said they were just inspected and do not expect a change until about a year. So question is, as the new law / ordinance is put into place, will it be retroactive or on the renewal date of each establishment. Providence was a real quiet shut down. Closing of establishments due to licensing is a M. F 9-5 inspectional services operation. Outside of that enforcement of prostitution laws is by uncle LEO. Depends on how it's written but most likely someone will ring that little white doorbell we all love, flash an I'D, say party over shut down or we will shut you down, then the little neon lite we all love will go out for good.

I went to FE the other night. On the way out I got a good look at the mamasam's face. She looked worried. I don't think they are correct about the rule change being in about a year. That seems like wishful thinking.

[HappyDave]

"Not Safe"? It's as safe today as it has ever been since to get a massage, at least until spas start operating under new rules.
Have to wonder thogh, would police really be the ones checking on enforcing business regulations? I would think it would be board of health or some agency, police don't enforce business code violations.

My last visit about a week ago at FE, I asked my provider about the rule change. She said they were just inspected and do not expect a change until about a year. So question is, as the new law / ordinance is put into place, will it be retroactive or on the renewal date of each establishment. Providence was a real quiet shut down. Closing of establishments due to licensing is a M. F 9-5 inspectional services operation. Outside of that enforcement of prostitution laws is by uncle LEO. Depends on how it's written but most likely someone will ring that little white doorbell we all love, flash an I'D, say party over shut down or we will shut you down, then the little neon lite we all love will go out for good.

[Guyver73]

I concur. Assuming that they could get a license. A rather large assumption. Licensure is a ticket for LEO to check on compliance. Too much for me.

You know I love stories like this. What do the do gooders (LEO, politicians) think, that all the woman at these places are going to find a different line of work. There are already 56 Million woman not wokring. Shutting down places like this.

Will just cause more people on the government dol.

[iamioman]

I concur. Assuming that they could get a license. A rather large assumption. Licensure is a ticket for LEO to check on compliance. Too much for me.

"Not Safe"? It's as safe today as it has ever been since to get a massage, at least until spas start operating under new rules.
Have to wonder thogh, would police really be the ones checking on enforcing business regulations? I would think it would be board of health or some agency, police don't enforce business code violations.

[Deflator]

Fucking A, we're screwed. I'm thinking it's not safe anymore.

I concur. Assuming that they could get a license. A rather large assumption. Licensure is a ticket for LEO to check on compliance. Too much for me.

[Member #5912]

Using the Council's logic in defining trafficking it seems the PawSox are also guilty of this.

Fucking A, we're screwed. I'm thinking it's not safe anymore.

[Fly Dangler]

Overriding veto, Pawtucket council adopts ordinance licensing 'body works' spas.

http://www.providencejournal.com/art...NEWS/150809517

Using the Council's logic in defining trafficking it seems the PawSox are also guilty of this.

[Caseyb7]

Overriding veto, Pawtucket council adopts ordinance licensing 'body works' spas.

http://www.providencejournal.com/art...NEWS/150809517

[MarriedTom]

It is official now.

http://www.providencejournal.com/art.../breaking_ajax

[MarriedTom]

Didn't the mayor veto this?

Why would the Mayor veto swimming with jellyfish?

[Member #5912]

Good to have factual information regarding the progress of this issue, however misguided & misrepresented it may be by the politicians.

Many of us don't know how to distinguish fact from opinion or where to find credible sources.

Your updates are most helpful.

Thanks!

LEO enforcement is a business. 1 to 3 weeks left IMO. Could be as little as a few days.