Greenburgh town officials in Westchester county of the state of New York, US, are considering a ban on the opening of new massage parlours while it drafts tougher laws governing their operation.

A year ago, police shut down seven massage parlours in the town and arrested 19 people on charges of operating without a license. The ban is expected to be approved by the town board in November.

Greenburgh Police Chief Chris McNerney recommended the ban because even though many of the businesses are legitimate, many of the employees have little or no training. Instances of prostitution have also been recorded.

The proposed legislation would set a minimum education requirement and require massage therapists to have a valid license from the state and a town permit. To be eligible for a town permit, masseuses would have to be fingerprinted and photographed. The permit would also require a statement of good character and references to any criminal convictions. Fines for practising massage therapy without a license and a permit could reach US$15,000 (€11,761, £9,280).