Kennewick yanks massage parlor business license after police investigation

A Kennewick massage parlor has lost its business license because it did not have a state-licensed massage therapist on site.

The city revoked the business license for Jingchen Sun, operating as Best Happy China Foot & Boday Massage, 101 N. Union St., Ste. 205, following an investigation led by the Kennewick Police Department.

The investigation revealed the business was in violation of Kennewick city codes that say, “It is unlawful for a person to practice massage therapy or represent himself or herself as a massage therapist without being licensed as a massage therapist by the (Washington Health) Department.

The revocation was finalized after a Feb. 21 hearing that included the investigative report and testimony by Sun.

Sun initially appealed, leading to a scheduled hearing for May 13. The hearing was canceled this week after the appeal was withdrawn.

Last June, the Kennewick City Council approved a new ordinance to help police investigate and shut down illicit massage businesses. The new regulations limited hours, that lights remain on at all times and that the businesses display a full list of services offered and costs.

All massage therapists or refloxologists must be at least 18 and licensed by the state, with their licenses or certification displayed near the entrance to the business.

It was not immediately clear what drew the business to the city’s attention.

The Tri-City Herald requested a copy of the Kennewick police investigative report under the Washington Public Records Act. It has yet to be released.

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