Healing Hands massage parlour in St Kilda shut down after being declared illegal brothel
A MASSAGE parlour in St Kilda has shut down after being declared an illegal brothel, after several complaints from people living nearby.
Inner South
Don't miss out on the headlines from Inner South . Followed categories will be added to My News.
A massage parlour in St Kilda has shut down after being declared an illegal brothel.
Police started investigating Healing Path Massage on Acland St in May after several complaints from residents, and finding raunchy online ads “of a sexual nature”.
The venue was slapped with a notice from the Melbourne Magistrates Court on June 12 ordering it to desist, and the owner could face jail and a fine of up to $190,000.
The order declared the venue a proscribed brothel and stated it is “an offence for any person to be found in or entering or leaving without a lawful purpose”.
HOW ILLEGAL BROTHELS ARE DODGING THE LAW
ILLEGAL BROTHELS SHUT DOWN IN GLEN IRIS
Victoria Police Sex Industry Coordination Inspector Andrew Glow said the venue has been allowed to stay open as a legal massage business, but had nonetheless subsequently shut down.
He could not provide any further information on what evidence was found, but said the owners may still be charged as part of an ongoing investigation.
The building is at 137A Acland St, flanked by Commonwealth Bank and Hairhouse Warehouse.
An online ad states “each therapist has their own unique style and personality to cater to the needs of our different clients” and says they “want to know and assist you on your healing path”.
Inspector Glow said the safety of the general public and those working in the industry was key.
“There are harms coming out of illegal premises in the form of physical and sexual assaults that often go unreported, health risks and exploitation of vulnerable people,” he said.
“We want people to understand if they attend an illegal premises for the purpose of sexual services they are possibly contributing to the exploitation of workers, but also putting their own health at risk and could be charged.”
He said the SICU had declared 15 massage shops as proscribed brothels this year, with councils and police units also issuing notices.
Repeated calls to the venue went answered.
‘Karen’ from Brighton’s family pub let disabled teen play pokies
A security lapse at the Duke of Edinburgh Hotel in Brunswick — owned by the family of Melbourne’s infamous Covid-era Karen — led to a disabled boy playing the pokies.
Ultimate club-by-club NPL Victoria season preview
The NPL Victoria season is officially underway. Check out all the ins and outs and star players at every club. Plus, our premiership predictions for the NPL and VPL seasons.