Kevin Hu runs a licensed spa on Falls Road with no citations. But as Montgomery County ramps up enforcement against illegal bodywork establishments, he says legitimate owners like him are paying a price too.

"We completely support weeding out illicit operators," Hu, owner of Spa65 Thai Massage & Bodywork at 10008 Falls Road, told Montgomery Community Media. "But the administrative burden on legitimate owners is immense. We must navigate an overwhelming web of regulations across multiple agencies."

Hu's concerns come as the county's Look Before You Book consumer-education campaign picks up national recognition and Bill 34-26, which would block convicted traffickers from obtaining new spa licenses, heads toward a public hearing on Tuesday, Sept. 15, at 1:30 p.m.

Campaign wins awards, draws early traffic

The Look Before You Book campaign, launched in February under the county's Commission for Women, won a Maker Award and a Silver Telly Award for its two 30-second public-service commercials. The campaign's website, which features a map of bodywork establishments with public civil citations, has drawn 2,784 views since launch. The county's tip line has received one formal tip and five other resident communications, according to Jodi Finkelstein, coordinator of the county's Human Trafficking Prevention Committee.

Finkelstein urged residents to research establishments and verify that massage providers are licensed before booking services. Under Maryland law, anyone providing a massage must be a licensed massage therapist.

What Bill 34-26 would change

The bill, introduced July 21 by Councilmember Dawn Luedtke, would prohibit the county from issuing a bodywork license to any establishment whose corporate officer or business manager has been convicted of human trafficking or prostitution-related offenses, or previously ran a spa whose license was revoked. It defines "corporate officer or business manager" broadly to include any owner, shareholder, member, partner, director or general manager.

As we reported July 21, between June 2024 and February 2026, the county's Vice Unit issued 40 civil citations to 25 of the county's 46 licensed bodywork establishments and charged 13 spa owners with felony offenses. Investigators found that cited operators often reopened under new business names.

All 11 council members have signed on as co-sponsors. The bill expires Dec. 7 if not enacted.

What it means for Potomac businesses

Hu said the campaign and the bill address different parts of the problem. He supports enforcement but argues the county should also help legitimate shops compete against unlicensed operators who cut corners and offer cheaper services. His proposal: county-issued verification badges and a public directory of licensed establishments.

Red flags the county asks residents to watch for include business hours beyond what county law allows (8 a.m. to 9 p.m.), storefronts where the interior isn't visible from outside, missing licensure postings, signs of on-site living such as luggage or large amounts of food, and cash-only requirements.

Residents who want to testify on Bill 34-26 can monitor its status on the Montgomery County Council website. Those who suspect illegal spa activity can report anonymously through the MCPD tip line at 240-773-TIPS (8477). The Tuesday, Sept. 15 hearing begins at 1:30 p.m.