CBC News Aug 22, 2012
Toronto collects nearly $1M per year from body rub licences
According to the city, only 25 body-rub parlours are allowed to operate in the city at any one time.
The initial fee collected to operate a body-rub parlour is $11,794.02 and the continuing renewable fee for all 25 amounts to $284,922.50 per year.
Every person applying to be a body rubber pays a $354 fee and then a $249 annual renewal fee.
In order to qualify for the licence an applicant needs a job, then the city does a background check and an employment and immigration status check.
Bruce Robertson, director of the city's licensing services, said the city's body-rub licences allow for the massage of clients' bodies, but not any sexual contact.
For a holistic practitioner, the application fee is $278 with a $173 annual renewal fee.
But unlike body rubbers, holistic practitioners must be certified with a diploma or certificate of qualification. They also must undergo a background check, as well as an employment and immigration status check.
The fee to open a holistic centre is $243 with a $133 annual renewal cost.
Currently there are 400 licensed holistic centres — with no limit on the number of businesses — and 2,395 licensed holistic practitioners.
I note from the bylaw that holistic places are required to record client information including their ailments and treatments.
I learned a new word from the bylaw, victualling house.
Holistic centres:
Must close at 9 p.m.
Family members and those under 18-years are allowed to attend Attendants are banned from contacting the genital area, which has to be covered
Attendant can lock the door when looking after a client
Able to set up shop anywhere in the city
Some 404 licenses issued
Massage parlours:
Must close at 9 p.m. but nearly all open later
Can only be used by those 18-years or older
Attendants are banned from contacting the genital area, which has to be covered
Attendant cannot lock the room when servicing a client
Cannot open 400 metres from a school, church or strip club
Only 25 licenses issued
http://www.torontosun.com/2011/10/12/holistic-centres-vs-massage-parlours