Board of Licensing Commissioners — May 26, 2026
Weymouth residents challenge inequitable $250 bodywork fees as Licensing Board defers ordinance changes to Town Council.
While there were spirited discussions regarding ordinance definitions and fees, the meeting remained professional and followed standard procedures.
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During the May 26 meeting of the Weymouth Board of Licensing Commissioners, a significant debate emerged regarding the town's bodywork fee structure and how different professions are regulated.
Oasis Day Spa raised concerns that the current ordinance misclassifies spiritual practices, such as Reiki, as physical 'bodywork.' This classification isn't just a matter of semantics—it carries a $250 fee. A resident, Joe Mahoney, further challenged the Board on fee parity, noting that estheticians are required to pay this $250 fee while state-licensed massage therapists are exempt, despite both being licensed professionals.
The Board maintained that they do not have the legal authority to change these definitions or fee amounts. They informed the applicants and the public that any change to how these fees are applied or how 'bodywork' is defined must be handled through an ordinance amendment by the Town Council.
This issue highlights a potential gap between town regulations and the actual nature of modern wellness services. If you believe the fee structure is inequitable for local practitioners, the next step is engaging with the Town Council.
Public impact
$250 bodywork fee
The board approved the licenses but directed the applicant to the Town Council for any requested ordinance changes.
The applicant may petition the Town Council to amend the ordinance.
Topics discussed
The board approved the meeting minutes and two one-day liquor permits.
All approval items were passed unanimously.
A public hearing for Apple One Spa was continued due to paperwork discrepancies.
The hearing was continued to the June 23, 2026, meeting.
The board will follow up with the applicant to provide specific details on the required corrections.
The board approved the massage establishment license for Exhale Zen Spa.
The application was approved unanimously.
The hearing for Unique One Spa was continued due to employee documentation issues.
The hearing was continued to June 23, 2026.
The hearing for Roberta's Therapeutic Massage was continued due to applicant absence.
The hearing was continued to June 23, 2026.
The board approved the massage establishment license for One Day Spa.
The application was approved.
The hearing for Four River Holistic Therapy was continued due to background concerns.
The hearing was continued to June 23, 2026.
The board approved the massage license for Hand and Stone with restrictions on hours.
The application was approved with the condition that they comply with the existing ordinance hours.
The board approved the massage license for Massage by Liz.
The application was approved.
The board approved both the massage establishment and mobility studio licenses for Stretch in Motion.
Both licenses were approved.
The board approved massage and bodywork licenses for Oasis Day Spa and addressed a dispute regarding Reiki classification.
Both the massage and bodywork licenses were approved.
The applicant may petition the Town Council to amend the ordinance. The board suggested the fee matter might be addressed through the health department or legislative process.
A member of the public questioned why estheticians performing Reiki services must pay a $250 bodywork fee when state-licensed massage therapists are exempt.
The board informed the speaker that they lack the authority to amend fees without an ordinance change and suggested the matter might be better addressed through the health department or via legislative process.
A public hearing was held regarding an application for a fortune teller's license at 978 Washington Street.
The board granted conditional approval of the application.
The applicant must submit a fully executed lease agreement and a floor plan to the board/building department.
A public hearing regarding a new wine and malt license and an extension of operating hours for Ice and Dough at 409 Washington Street.
The board approved the new license and the extension of hours.
The application will proceed to the State Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission for approval; the owner must also apply for a Certificate of Occupancy.
A long-standing board member provided suggestions on improving meeting management and public hearing protocols.
The Chair acknowledged the suggestions.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
Reiki Classification and Bodywork Fees
Community vs. board tension
Public comment
Decisions logged
Action items
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