What penalties will unlicensed massage establishment operators face under the Massage Establishments Act?

Under the Massage Establishments Act, first-time offenders who operate unlicensed massage establishments (ME) will be liable on conviction to a fine of up to $10,000, or imprisonment of up to 2 years, or both.

A repeat offender will be liable on conviction to a fine of up to $20,000, or imprisonment of up to 5 years, or both.

If the operator continues to operate the unlicensed ME even after he or she has been charged in court, the Police may also issue a premises closure order to require the unlicensed ME to vacate the premises and turn in the keys to the premises after physically securing it. If the order is not complied with, the Police are empowered to take necessary steps, including reasonable force, to enforce the closure of the premises. Anyone who breaches the order may face a maximum fine of $15,000, or imprisonment of up to 3 years, or both. These orders are intended to prevent recalcitrant unlicensed ME operators from continuing to flout the law while court proceedings are ongoing.

Landlords who knowingly lease their premises to unlicensed ME operators will be liable to the same penalties. Landlords are also legally required to evict tenants who have been convicted of unlicensed ME operations within one month of their conviction.

For more information on the ME regulatory regime, refer to SPF | Massage Establishment Licence