Pawtucket, RI Business Licensing & Operations: Massage Establishments (2026)

Chapter 130, Body Works Services, approved October 20, 2016 by Ch. No. 8-1(4) to include body rubs, body stimulation, manipulation or conditioning of the body, and spa services or treatments, to obtain a body works establishment license from the Board of License Commissioners before offering the service for hire under § 130-1. Hospitals, nursing homes and similar licensed medical institutions are exempt, and § 130-6 also exempts any business already licensed for adult entertainment under Pawtucket's separate sexually oriented business ordinance. The license costs $250 a year, is nontransferable, and automatically expires every July 1, with renewal applications due at least 30 days before expiration under §§ 130-3 and 130-4.

Applicants must be at least 18, must disclose five years of addresses and occupational history, all criminal convictions besides minor traffic offenses, and any prior license revocations, and must show the location is consistent with the city's zoning code and has a building permit on file where one is required, per § 130-11. Every establishment must post its license conspicuously, keep personnel records on-site for at least one year including each worker's name, date of birth, address and employment dates, and designate an on-site supervisor responsible for cooperating with inspections by the Board or its agents, under §§ 130-7, 130-9 and 130-10. Advertisements must list the license number, and price rates must be posted where customers can see them under § 130-8.