Johnston business shut down, after Police say owner lied on business license

July 8, 2016 5:39 pm

By Ana Bottary

@anabottary

Images depicting spa and massage services cover the outside of the Mini Body Works shop in Johnston. An odd choice of photos for a business that’s only applied for a license to sell skin care services. Ruchita Patel, who owns the bakery next door, felt something about the business was off.

"It’s a weird area really to open up a massage parlor and I don’t know, it was just one of those feelings," says Patel.

Johnston police say because the owner of Mini Body Works lied on her business license, the town’s code enforcement closed the shop last week. This coming just days before Governor Gina Raimondo signed a new law to regulate unlicensed massage parlors and "body works" spas.

Patel says she started to question the business next door when she noticed the specific clientele.

"I just noticed a lot of guys walking past and going in there. One woman that I do know that went in there after she got done, the lady was like oh you know next time send your husband in here we will give him a special offer," She adds.

After doing an online search, Mini Body Works was listed on sex websites. Another neighboring business agreed to speak with us, but did not want to go on camera. He describes the plaza as a family friendly place, and says he’s happy to see the business closed.

"I don’t like the business like this. It’s bad for business."