Massage Therapy Business Bond - City of Sugar Hill, GA in Georgia

Brief Summary

A Sugar Hill massage establishment license application is not complete without a copy of a $15,000 surety bond. Getting the bond in hand early keeps the in person filing at City Hall to one trip, and you pay an annual premium instead of setting aside $15,000.

The City of Sugar Hill requires a massage establishment operator to hold both an occupation tax certificate and a massage establishment license. Under Sec. 18-309(a)(14) of the city code, as amended in 2022, the license application must include a copy of a $15,000 surety bond payable to the city if an injunction is entered against unlawful operation. A state massage therapy license under O.C.G.A. 43-24A is a separate credential and does not replace the city establishment license or the bond.

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How to Apply for a Massage Therapy Business Bond:

• Apply for a City of Sugar Hill occupation tax certificate.
• Obtain the $15,000 surety bond naming the City of Sugar Hill.
• Gather a copy of each therapist's state license and photo, or the certifying statement the city requires.
• Complete and notarize the massage establishment license application.
• File the application in person at Sugar Hill City Hall with a copy of the bond and the regulatory fee.
• Renew the license each year, since licenses are valid for one year from issuance.

Detailed Information About the Georgia Massage Therapy Business Bond:

The state therapist license is not the city license

This is where most applicants get tripped up. A Georgia massage therapy license covers the individual therapist. Sugar Hill separately licenses the business. Under Sec. 18-306 of the city code, an operator must obtain an occupation tax certificate and a massage establishment license before operating, and the application is filed in person at Sugar Hill City Hall and notarized. The state license does matter at the city level in one way: under Sec. 18-308, a holder of a valid state massage therapy license is not required to also obtain a city work permit. That exemption applies to the work permit, not to the establishment license or the bond.

The $15,000 bond

Sec. 18-309(a)(14) requires a copy of a $15,000 surety bond with the license application. The bond is payable to the City of Sugar Hill if an injunction is entered against unlawful operation of the establishment.

Who is exempt

Sec. 18-282(b) exempts state licensed physicians, chiropractors, physical therapists and similar professionals while practicing their profession, and separately licensed hospitals and health care establishments.

Other rules that come with the license

A state licensed massage therapist must be on the premises whenever massage therapy is offered, and business hours are limited to 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Licenses and work permits are valid for one year from issuance. The annual regulatory fee is set by resolution of city council. Violations carry up to a $1,000 fine, six months incarceration or both, with each day a separate offense.

Eligibility and Requirements for a Georgia Massage Therapy Business Bond:

• Bond amount of $15,000 under Sec. 18-309(a)(14).
• City of Sugar Hill named as obligee.
• Bond payable to the city if an injunction is entered against unlawful operation.
• A state licensed massage therapist on premises whenever massage therapy is offered.
• Business hours limited to 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Georgia Massage Therapy Business Bond FAQs:

Official and Additional Resources for the Georgia Massage Therapy Business Bond: