Proposed Bowling Green ordinance aims to prevent human trafficking

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — The City of Bowling Green is introducing a new ordinance aimed at protecting residents and legitimate businesses by tightening regulations on massage establishments.

On Thursday, Aug. 28, officials shared the ordinance creates a “clear framework for licensing and oversight to prevent illegal operations that often serve as fronts for human sexual trafficking.”

Officials say they began the process of cracking down by becoming stricter two years ago.

“This ordinance is about protecting the most vulnerable in our community,” said commissioner Dana Beasley-Brown, who is sponsoring the ordinance. “Licensed massage therapists, city staff  and law enforcement have come together to ensure safe, legitimate businesses can thrive and human trafficking will be shut down. We are sending a clear message that Bowling Green is united in protecting our community from human trafficking.”

According to the city, the proposed ordinance requires all massage facilities to obtain an annual license through the city’s Department of Finance and to comply with strict operational standards.

Facilities will undergo background checks, inspections and zoning reviews to ensure compliance with local, state and federal laws.

The ordinance also explicitly bans illegal sexual activity and provides strong penalties, including license revocation, fines and prosecution, for violations.

Key provisions of the ordinance include:

• Mandatory annual licensing for massage facilities, in addition to business registration.
• Criminal background checks for owners, operators, and employees.
• Inspections to ensure facilities meet safety, zoning, and health standards.
• Restrictions on hours of operation and prohibitions against using facilities as places of
  sleep.
• Clear penalties for violations, including immediate revocation of licenses.

With these changes, Bowling Green joins cities across the country working to disrupt human trafficking networks while safeguarding legitimate businesses and consumers.