Bowling Green, September 4, 2025
News Summary
Bowling Green city commissioners will review a proposed ordinance aimed at regulating massage establishments to combat human trafficking. This ordinance includes mandatory registration, licensing fees, and criminal background checks for all staff. The initiative, sponsored by Commissioner Dana Beasley-Brown, seeks to improve public safety and distinguish legitimate businesses from illegal operations. Furthermore, the city has reduced property taxes and approved funding for new soccer fields.
Bowling Green city commissioners are set to consider a new ordinance aimed at enhancing the regulations of massage establishments as part of efforts to combat human trafficking. The proposed ordinance will have its first reading during a meeting on Tuesday evening, signifying a proactive step by city officials to address ongoing concerns about illicit activities linked to massage parlors.
Since 2017, the Bowling Green Police Department has reported six human trafficking cases associated with illicit massage businesses in the area. Commissioner Dana Beasley-Brown has sponsored the ordinance, highlighting the necessity for stronger regulations to empower law enforcement in detecting and addressing trafficking operations. To combat these illegal practices, the ordinance mandates all massage businesses to register with the city and obtain an annual license for $50.
The proposal includes critical measures such as requiring criminal background checks for all owners, operators, and employees of massage establishments. Additionally, inspections will be conducted by first responders, code enforcement officers, or designated city officials to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. Under this ordinance, massage businesses will also be prohibited from operating as residences, and any violations could lead to severe penalties, including the immediate revocation of their business licenses.
City officials anticipate that these regulatory measures will bolster public safety and help distinguish legitimate massage businesses from those that operate unlawfully. Bowling Green’s geographical location near Interstate 65 contributes to the frequency of human trafficking cases in the region, making the need for such regulations even more critical.
Local massage business owners, such as Melissa Strautman, have indicated that legitimate establishments are suffering due to the negative connotations associated with illegal operations. The proposed ordinance aims to unify the community’s efforts against human trafficking while also ensuring that legitimate businesses can continue to operate without the stigma attached to illicit activities.
In addition to this regulatory measure, Bowling Green has recently reduced property taxes to $0.203 per $100 of assessed value for the second consecutive year, aiming to alleviate some financial strain on residents and businesses in the area.
In other news, the city has approved a nearly $2 million purchase for turf fields at the Lovers Lane Soccer Complex. This decision follows a series of delays due to design issues and a sinkhole incident. With plans to install over 171,000 square feet of artificial turf, the new fields are expected to last up to ten years, addressing the increasing demand for soccer facilities in Bowling Green.
Key Features of the Proposed Ordinance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Registration Requirement | All massage businesses must register with the city. |
| Annual License Fee | The cost of the annual license is $50. |
| Background Checks | Mandatory criminal background checks for all owners, operators, and employees. |
| Inspections | Regular inspections by city officials to ensure compliance with regulations. |
| Operational Restrictions | Prohibiting massage businesses from functioning as residences. |
| Penalties | Immediate revocation of business licenses for non-compliance. |
FAQ
What is the purpose of the new ordinance in Bowling Green?
What are the key requirements for massage businesses under the new ordinance?
What penalties exist for non-compliance?
How does the ordinance affect legitimate massage businesses?
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Bowling Green Proposes Ordinance to Combat Human Trafficking
Additional Resources
- Bowling Green Looks at Ordinance on Sex Trafficking
- WNKY: Code Enforcement in Bowling Green
- WNKY: Bowling Green Man Charged with Fleeing Police
- Wikipedia: Human Trafficking in the United States
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Human Trafficking
Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER
The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
