Bessemer, AL Business Licensing & Operations: Massage Establishments (2026)

Bessemer regulates massage therapy establishments in Chapter 22, Article VIII of its Code of Ordinances, layered on top of the state's Alabama Massage Therapy Licensure Act, Code of Ala. 1975 § 34-43-1 et seq. Section 22-329 bars opening a massage parlor to the public without first obtaining a business license from the city, and that license must list the name of every masseur, masseuse or attendant the business employs. Section 22-330 adds a personal operator's license for each masseur, masseuse, employee or attendant, and no one gets that license without first presenting the city a written verification from a licensed physician, dated no more than 20 days before the application, confirming the applicant is free of any contagious, infectious or communicable disease.

Section 22-332 puts the chief of police, the health official and the building official in charge of investigating every applicant and their proposed location; the chief of police must approve or deny the application within 15 days, with a 15-day temporary permit available if the investigation runs long. A denied applicant can appeal in writing to the city clerk and treasurer within ten days, and the city council must hold the appeal hearing within 21 days of that filing. 00 a year, plus a per-employee fee for every masseur, masseuse or attendant.

Section 22-299 further requires a 'licensed masseur' or 'licensed masseuse' sign in letters at least three inches tall, sized within the zoning ordinance's sign limits.