WHAT IS THE DEAL WITH BETHESDA MASSAGE PARLORS & " DO NOT OCCUPY " SIGNS?

For a second time this summer, a downtown Bethesda massage parlor has been quietly shut down. And for the second time, a "Do Not Occupy" sign has been posted in the window of the spa in question. In neither case has any illegal activity or arrest(s) been announced publicly. My guess is, many people walking past may be wondering or speculating as to what is going on.

In early June, Massage Express closed temporarily at 7135 Wisconsin Avenue, and the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services posted a Do Not Occupy notice in the window. I had not heard of any arrests or police activity there, but it's fairly unusual to see a notice like this in downtown Bethesda. I contacted the DPS, and the email response said, "There was some issue with Massage Express use and occupancy permit, which has been resolved. Massage Express has re-opened their business as of June 12, 2014." No details, but the business reopened as normal.

Massage Express on June 10

Now, the same sign has been posted at Bethesda Wellness Spa, at 4715 Cordell Avenue (top photo). Why massage parlors?

One factor may be legitimate businesses getting snagged by new County rules designed to fight human trafficking. DPS now requires documentation from the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Services that certifies every massage practitioner has obtained a valid Board of Chiropractic Medicine Massage Therapist Certification. Until such is supplied by DLRS, no occupancy permit will be issued/re-issued. So just one therapist's credentials (or lack thereof) could potentially lead to a temporary closure, until the paperwork can be verified.

Given that there is no indication of any unlawful issues at either business online, or in the press, it seems likely that the issue is regulatory red tape.

Bethesda Wellness Spa
yesterday

Reviews on Yelp give
high marks for the
spa's atmosphere and
decor