DANBURY – Two new local laws tighten the city’s oversight and enforcement powers over tattoo and massage parlors, targeting everything from hand-washing to skimpy clothing.

“When we think about it, clothing may seem like a small issue – but clothing needs to be restricted,” Danbury Police Detective Captain Mark Williams told the City Council shortly before it passed a new massage therapy ordinance. “We don’t need … a masseuse in a miniskirt and see-through clothing.”

“Some have expressed concern that this particular ordinance might go too far,” City Council member Emile Buzaid said during a meeting Tuesday evening.

Williams responded that the new massage therapy ordinance would “not only help city officials correct our current situation, but it would potentially create space for legitimate massage therapy businesses.”

“If both of our businesses can comply with the ordinance, there will be no problem,” Williams said. “This ordinance will help us conduct background investigations not only on the people providing the massage, but also on the people running the business.”

Williams was referring to an ordinance that has been in the works for at least a decade, but which, like the city’s ordinance regulating tattoo parlors, has been stalled by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The new massage therapy law, which takes effect 30 days after a notice is published in the newspaper, requires businesses to undergo criminal background checks, keep records of every massage transaction available for review and maintain a strict dress code for employees that includes “appropriate underwear” and “completely opaque” clothing. Under the new law, exposing or touching the genitals is prohibited, among other restrictions affecting opening hours, building codes and hygiene.

The tattoo parlor ordinance, which made headlines in 2019 when the city’s body artists complained they were left out of the discussion, gained new momentum when the proposal was revised to include input from local tattoo artists.

Two leading city council members urged staff Tuesday to ensure the ordinance does not put tattoo artists out of business ahead of a vote on the new tattoo law, which takes effect in January 2025.

“I and others in the tattoo industry are continually concerned about their inability to make some of the changes required by this ordinance, particularly the implementation of hand-washing requirements in numerous rooms of their establishment,” said Council Member Duane Perkins. “Have we found a way to protect the existing establishments?”

“No,” replied Dan Casagrande, the city’s top prosecutor.

“OK, that’s problematic because if these establishments are required to install hand-washing sinks in certain rooms … not only is that a financial burden, but they’re prohibited from doing so by the language in their lease. They don’t own the buildings, so they can’t install sinks in some of those rooms,” Perkins said. “What do we do? Do we put everyone out of business?”

No, replied Fernanda Carvalho, the city’s health director.

“Access (to handwashing) does not necessarily mean it is available at every station; it does not necessarily mean it is within a certain radius of a few metres. It is necessary that there is a handwashing sink that is easily and conveniently accessible to the artist,” the health director said. “And we will determine what is best for the facility as part of the plan review process, which is a requirement of the application.”

“It sounds like you’re saying the company can continue to exist based on your inspection,” Perkins said.

“Absolutely,” said Carvalho.

Longtime city council member Paul Rotello wanted more assurances before the unanimous vote to pass the new tattoo ordinance.

“To be clear, I think we want to make these facilities as safe, clean and sanitary as possible. I think that goes without saying,” Rotello said. “But you’re saying you’ve never encountered an existing facility that can’t meet the new requirements?”

“Correct,” said Carvalho.