CHICO — In an effort to prevent human trafficking and prostitution, Chico City Council will vote on an ordinance regulating massage businesses at its Tuesday meeting.

Code Enforcement Supervisor Charlene Durkin first brought the ordinance before council at its Aug. 19 meeting, where she said there are “33 illicit businesses in town currently.” Massage practitioners spoke at the meeting raising concerns about the ordinance bringing unrealistic regulations to Chico.

A key concern of practitioners, many who have been in the business for decades, was the requirement to become certified with the California Massage Therapy Council. Some noted the requirements for them to become certified were different when they started, and going through the California massage council would take a significant

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