Contact: Donna Bigler, 240-777-6530
Bill O'Toole, 240-773-5030

For Immediate Release: August 9, 2001

Crack Down On Massage Parlors Continues;
Three More Establishments Shut Down

Three more massage parlors were shut down today by a multi-agency enforcement team that was created to crack down on illegal massage parlors and protect businesses that comply with County and state law.

The establishments include two in Silver Spring -- Sky at 9431 Georgia Avenue and Therapeutic Massage at 911 Silver Spring Avenue, Suite 107. The third establishment, in Bethesda, is Eagle, located at 8002 Wisconsin Avenue on the second floor.

"I am pleased with our progress in eradicating the blight of illegal massage parlors from our community," said Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan. "These illegal establishments are nothing more than fronts for prostitution, and we will not rest until we close them all down."

Today's crackdown follows the closing of six illegal massage parlors last week after the County's new massage law was signed. The law imposes tough licensing requirements on illegal massage establishments, while protecting legitimate massage businesses where state-licensed practitioners conduct certified massage therapy.

The enforcement team consists of representatives of the Montgomery County Police Department, the Department of Health and Human Services-Licensure and Regulatory Services, the County Attorney's Office, the State's Attorney's Office, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services, the Department of Permitting Services and the Department of Housing and Community Affairs-Code Enforcement Section.