Greenville, NC Business Licensing & Operations: Massage Establishments (2026)

Section 11-10-11 states the article's purpose is to protect general health, safety, welfare and morals by licensing anyone carrying on the business of masseur or masseuse, or operating a massage parlor, health salon, physical culture studio or similar establishment offering massage, hydrotherapy or other physical treatment. It exempts licensed hospitals, medical schools, sanitariums, nursing homes, medical clinics, and the offices of licensed doctors, osteopaths or chiropractors using it as their principal practice location, athletic trainers serving athletes in school programs, and anyone already licensed under the North Carolina Massage and Bodywork Therapy Practice Act.

Section 11-10-13 requires an applicant to file a written application addressed to the Mayor and City Council stating the applicant's name and address (or, for a corporation, its officers' addresses) and documented qualifications. Section 11-10-14 requires written proof of good moral character, and a health certificate from a medical doctor for the applicant and, for a corporation, every officer, agent or employee who will work under the license, with a copy going to the Police Department; new employees hired later must also get a health certificate.

Section 11-10-15 lets the city Tax Collector issue the business license once the City Council approves a properly completed application. Section 11-10-16 lets a licensee train other masseurs and masseuses under supervision, again subject to filing health certificates with the Police Department. Section 11-10-17 requires the licensee to file every employee's name, home address and phone number with the Chief of Police, updating within seven days of any change, and § 11-10-18 requires records of every client, treatment given and staff member who performed it, open to Police Department inspection at any reasonable time.