§ 17-1. Definitions.

Unless the particular provision or the context otherwise requires, the definitions and provisions contained in this section shall govern the construction, meaning and application of words and phrases used in this chapter.

Chief shall mean the chief of police of the San Antonio Police Department or designee.

Department shall mean the San Antonio Police Department.

Employee shall mean any person, other than a masseur, who renders any service in connection with the operation of a massage business and who receives compensation from the operator of the business or from patrons.

Massage establishment shall mean a place of business that advertises or offers massage therapy or other massage services. The term includes a place of business that advertises or offers any service described by a derivation of the terms "massage therapy" or "other massage services" to include aromatherapy and spa services. Solo practitioners shall not be considered a business as herein defined.

Massage therapy shall mean the manipulation of soft tissue by hand or through a mechanical or electrical apparatus for the purpose of body massage. The term includes effleurage (stroking), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (percussion), compression, vibration, friction, nerve strokes, and Swedish gymnastics. Massage therapy may include the use of oil, lubricant, salt glows, heat lamps, hot and cold packs, jacuzzi, aromatherapy, and sauna. The terms "therapy" and "therapeutic" do not include diagnosis, the treatment of illness or disease, or any service or procedure for which a license to practice medicine, chiropractic, physical therapy, or podiatry is required by law.

Masseur shall mean any person who engages in the practice of massage therapy as herein defined and who is licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The use of the masculine gender in this chapter shall include in all cases the feminine gender as well.

Patron shall mean any person who receives massage therapy under such circumstances that it is reasonably expected that he or she will pay money or give any other consideration therefor.

TDLR shall mean the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

(Ord. No. 2019-02-14-0122 , § 1, 2-14-19)