Local News in Brief : Massage Parlor Closed

A controversial West Hollywood massage parlor, owned by an East Los Angeles College business law professor, was ordered closed Wednesday afternoon by investigators from the state Labor Commission, authorities said.

The investigators, who inspected the Beverly Hills Massage Parlor and interviewed employees, did not elaborate on the nature of any illegal practices, said Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Bill Wehner. Deputies assisted state investigators in closing down the parlor.

In recent weeks, the West Hollywood City Council has attempted to shut down the parlor on the grounds that it is a house of prostitution. Last month, the council voted 5 to 0 to deny owner Hal Mintz’s appeal of a July decision by the city’s Business License Commission to revoke his operating permit.

Sheriff’s deputies carrying search warrants also raided the parlor and the San Marino home of the educator, who owns 20th Century Travel Advisors Inc., which does business as the Beverly Hills Massage Parlor.