Two massage establishments previously closed in Springfield are having further action taken by the city to keep the doors locked. Illinois Relax Spa and Cozy Cabin Spa on Sangamon Avenue, two of the 11 spas previously shut down by the city for failing to pass inspections for a massage establishment license, were found by the city to be operating without a license. City of Springfield senior assistant to corporation counsel Michael Hampleman confirmed the city has requested an emergency temporary restraining order through the Sangamon County Circuit Court. The order would prohibit occupancy inside the location and any use of the space. A hearing on the plenary restraining order to Illinois circuit courts is set for Feb. 28. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. Cozy Cabin and Illinois Relax have been under scrutiny alongside other spas like Q2 Asian Massage following a slew of closures on Jan. 31. City attorney Greg Moredock said on Feb. 17 the city was aware of the situation at Q2 and was keeping a watchful eye at the certain establishments. “On the civil side we can’t get an injunction over the weekend,” Moredock said Feb. 17. “We are keeping an eye on that location and all the locations we have placards at.” The businesses were closed due to a new ordinance requiring licenses to operate a massage location in the city. The new licensing process comes from community concerns about a rise in human trafficking and prostitution in the city of younger women from Asia being brought to the parlors. The regulation passed the city council last May and by June, inspections began being conducted.
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