Massage establishments in Boston must obtain a state Board of Registration of Massage Therapy license, comply with Boston zoning and inspectional services requirements, and meet sanitation and signage standards under MGL Ch. 112.
Massage therapists must hold a state license under MGL Ch. 112 §227 issued by the Board of Registration of Massage Therapy, requiring at least 650 hours of approved education and a national certification exam. Massage establishments operating in Boston also need a city business certificate, must comply with Boston Zoning Code use designations, and must pass inspections by the Inspectional Services Department covering sanitation, hot water, and laundering. Establishments cannot operate inside a residence in most zoning districts. Local police often coordinate with the state Board to investigate suspected human-trafficking and unlicensed-practice complaints in massage businesses.
Unlicensed practice carries criminal penalties under MGL Ch. 112 §233 of up to one year imprisonment or fines up to $2,500 per offense, plus state license revocation, business certificate forfeiture, and Boston ISD closure orders.
See how Boston's massage establishments rules stack up against other locations.
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