New state law cracks down on fake spas

NAPLES, Fla. – Safer at the spa! WINK News uncovered a new state law that will help crackdown on fake massage therapists.

The law requires all massage therapists and spa owners to get fingerprinted and have a background check by January 31st to be licensed in the state.

“It brings credibility to our business now,” said Diane Smith, co-owner of The Woodhouse Day Spa in Naples.

The state crackdown is also an effort to help protect against some Asian massage parlors that are fronts for prostitution. WINK News found a website called rubmaps.com. It’s an underground community of sex-spa patrons who tell you where to go and who to ask for in Southwest Florida.

“It’s disheartening to see that still happening,” said Smith. “Especially in our area.”

There was the arrest of Queen Spa owner Jianping Liu in July of 2014. Naples Police say she offered an undercover officer a sexual favor in exchange for money. We went by the business and it was closed. John Tenney owns Valento’s Pizza next door. He says he’s thankful the state is finally tightening regulations.

“I think it’s absolutely fantastic,” said Tenney. “Great idea. Legitimizes the industry.”

Smith says she hopes the new law will help keep it that way.

“Your guests and your clients that come into establishments can know that people are legitimate now,” said Smith.