Council Moves To Allow Some Felons To Run Massage Businesses

CHICAGO (WBBM) - Chicago aldermen have given preliminary approval to a measure that might allow some convicted felons to operate massage parlors.

WBBM Political Editor Craig Dellimore reports.

The ordinance approved by the City Council licensing committee would still bar anyone convicted of sex crimes from running a massage business. But, those with old convictions for unrelated crimes could prove they are rehabilitated and get an okay. 

Ald. Helen Shiller knows of someone with a shoplifting record who was denied a license.

Lt. Eve Gushes, head of Police Vice Control, still has some misgivings. She says the intimate nature of the massage act itself, and the prevalence of criminal activity in the industry, make it important to protect the public and the women who are often exploited.

But Gushes acknowledges the safeguards and says police will enforce whatever laws the aldermen pass.