Denver adopts massage parlor licensing to combat human trafficking

Context: It follows a move in 2018 in Aurora that made it more difficult for people to operate massage companies as a cover for illicit sexual activities and human trafficking.

• Since Aurora's crackdown, numerous parlors that were ordered closed there reopened in Denver with little oversight, a five-month 9News investigation found.

Why it matters: Establishing a licensing system will help local law enforcement officials keep tabs on the industry, which is largely uncontrolled across the state.

• Colorado licenses massage therapists, but not parlor owners.

What's next: The city is home to up to 150 businesses that will need to be licensed, or face being shut down, Denverite reports.