Bowling Green Ordinance Seeks to Protect Legitimate Massage Businesses While Cracking Down on Illicit Human Trafficking Fronts

Published:

August 28, 2025

Category:

General

Contact:

Deborah West - 270-393-3642

Location:

Bowling Green, KY

Bowling Green is considering an ordinance to regulate massage businesses; protecting residents, supporting legitimate establishments, and combating human trafficking through licensing, background checks, inspections, and strict penalties for violations.

Bowling Green, KY — (August 28, 2025) — The City of Bowling Green is consdering a new ordinance aimed at protecting residents and legitimate businesses by tightening regulations on massage establishments. The proposed ordinance creates a clear framework for licensing and oversight to prevent illegal operations that often serve as fronts for human sexual trafficking. First reading of the proposed ordinance will occur at the Sept. 2 Board of Commissioners meeting. If it passes on the first reading, the second reading will occur Sept. 16.

This ordinance will require all massage facilities to obtain an annual license through the City’s Department of Finance and comply with strict operational standards. Facilities will undergo background checks, inspections, and zoning reviews to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws. The ordinance also explicitly prohibits illegal sexual activity and provides strong penalties, including license revocation, fines, and prosecution, for any violations.

“This ordinance is about protecting the most vulnerable in our community,” said Commissioner Dana Beasley-Brown, who is sponsoring the ordinance. “Licensed massage therapists, city staff, and law enforcement have come together to ensure safe, legitimate businesses can thrive and human trafficking will be shut down. We are sending a clear message that Bowling Green is united in protecting our community from human trafficking.”

Key provisions of the ordinance include:

• Mandatory annual licensing for massage facilities, in addition to business registration.
• Criminal background checks for owners, operators, and employees.
• Inspections to ensure facilities meet safety, zoning, and health standards.
• Restrictions on hours of operation and prohibitions against using facilities as places of sleep.
• Clear penalties for violations, including immediate revocation of licenses.

With these changes, Bowling Green joins cities across the country working to disrupt human trafficking networks while safeguarding legitimate businesses and consumers.

About the City of Bowling Green
Bowling Green is committed to fostering a safe, vibrant community where residents and businesses can thrive. This ordinance is one of many steps the City takes to strengthen public safety and uphold the integrity of local commerce.