For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
EMPLOYEE. Any person over 18 years of age, other than a massage therapist, who renders any service in connection with the operation of a massage business and receives compensation from the operator of the business or patrons.
MASSAGE. Touching, stroking, kneading, stretching, friction, percussion, and vibration, and includes holding, positioning, causing movement of the soft tissues and applying manual touch and pressure to the body (excluding an osseous tissue manipulation or adjustment).
MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENT. A place of business that advertises or offers massage therapy or other massage services. The term includes a place of business that advertises or offers any service described by a derivation of the terms massage therapy or other massage services. The services are offered as one of the businesses primary services by a person who is registered as a massage therapist under the State of Texas' Massage Therapy Registration Act.
MASSAGE PARLOR. Any business in which massages are offered by a person who is not registered as a massage therapist under the State of Texas' Massage Therapy Registration Act or who provides massages by touching specified anatomical areas or engaging in specified sexual activities. Massage parlors are subject to the city sexually oriented businesses ordinance and regulations, laid out in Chapter 112 of the city code. Sexually oriented business has the meaning assigned by Tex. Loc. Gov’t Code, 243.002, unless another meaning applies under local law.
MASSAGE THERAPIST. A person who is registered under the State of Texas Massage Therapy Registration Act and as defined in this chapter.
MASSAGE THERAPY. The profession in which a registered massage therapist applies massage techniques in accordance with the standards of the State of Texas' Massage Therapy Registration Act, Tex. Occupations Code, Ch. 455, as amended.
MASSAGE THERAPY LICENSING PROGRAM RULES. Tex. Admin. Code, Title 25, Ch. 140, Subchapter H, as amended.
PATRON. Any person over 18 years of age who receives a massage under such circumstances that are reasonably expected that he or she will pay money or give any other consideration therefor.
(Ord. 13-1095, passed 12-19-2013)