WEYMOUTH - February 2, 2026 - The Weymouth Town Council moved to drastically tighten oversight of local massage, bodywork, and “mobility” establishments on Monday, following reports of human trafficking and criminal activity. Acting Health Director Teryn Hermenau presented a trio of ordinances designed to close regulatory gaps that have allowed eight local businesses to be shuttered since January 2025. The new measures, which require these businesses to be licensed through the Board of Licensing Commissioners, aim to ensure sanitary standards and verify the credentials of practitioners who currently operate with little to no municipal oversight.
The Full Story
The proposed ordinances—Measures 25 107, 25 108, and 25 109—represent a coordinated effort by the Health and Police Departments to regain control over industries that have increasingly become fronts for illegal operations. Acting Health Director Teryn Hermenau informed the Council that while Weymouth was a pioneer in regulating bodywork in 2015, a “significant shift” in business operations has led to a surge in illicit activity.
Since January 2025, joint inspections have already resulted in the closure of eight of the town’s 19 bodywork establishments and the issuance of over $18,000 in fines. Despite these efforts, “egregious violations” involving human trafficking and prostitution continue to plague the community.
“We have heard troubling accounts from surrounding communities and have witnessed firsthand what happens when a municipality lacks oversight, enforcement authority, and regulatory control over these establishments.” — Teryn Hermenau, Acting Health Director
The proposed changes specifically target three categories:
Bodywork Establishments: Currently, there are no educational or training requirements to verify the competency of practitioners in fields like reflexology or Reiki.
Massage Establishments: Since 2006, local oversight was limited when regulation moved to the state level. The new ordinance seeks to re-establish local operational oversight to prevent the “questionable practices” observed in businesses that were previously shut down.
Mobility Studios: These emerging businesses, often marketed as stretching studios, currently operate without any state or municipal regulatory framework.
Resident Jacqui Perriello, also a health department employee, spoke in favor of the restrictions, noting that the lack of regulation poses “real threats, including unsafe practices, lack of sanitation oversight, and conditions that can endanger both workers and the public”.
Town Solicitor Richard McLeod added that these ordinances would work “hand in hand” with pending state legislation and allow the town to maintain its current moratorium on new establishments while the rules are finalized. Existing businesses will likely have until July 1, 2026, to come into compliance with the new standards.
Why It Matters
For Weymouth residents, these ordinances are about more than just business permits; they are a public safety tool. By moving licensing to the Board of Licensing Commissioners, the town gains the authority to conduct background checks on owners, verify professional certifications, and ensure compliance with fire, building, and health codes. This structure is designed to protect legitimate practitioners while providing the police and health departments with the teeth needed to eradicate criminal rings operating under the guise of wellness.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To open public hearings for Measures 25 107, 25 108, and 25 109 regarding massage, mobility, and bodywork establishment requirements.
Vote: 10-0 ([0:04:07])
Motion: To refer Measure 26 005 (Transfer of $31,000 for Fire Department turnout gear and repairs) to the Budget Management Committee.
Vote: 10-0 ([0:17:13])
Motion: To authorize a five-year contract for school transportation services (Measure 25 111).
Vote: 10-0 ([0:19:20])
Motion: To appoint Jason Harris as the new Building Commissioner (Measure 26 002).
Vote: 10-0 ([0:23:45])
Public Comment
Resident Jacqui Perriello urged the council to take “firm action” to protect neighborhood quality of life and ensure that only legitimate, responsible businesses operate in Weymouth.
What’s Next
The public hearings for the massage, mobility, and bodywork ordinances are now closed. The measures remain in the Ordinance Committee for further refinement before a final vote. The next Town Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 17, 2026, due to the Presidents’ Day holiday.
Source Video: Weymouth Town Council YouTube Channel
Does this mean the sunshine spa on winter street, which seems to only have adult male clients, is finally closed? 🙌
Human trafficking is real, and it’s in our towns!