Massage business launches appeal after licence lost
THE legal team representing a Chinese massage centre has accused Birmingham City Council of “institutionalised racism” after the business lost its licence amid allegations that sex services were for sale.
Harmony 88, in the heart of Birmingham’s Chinatown, is to challenge the authority’s decision not to renew its massage and special treatments licence, Ian Henery, head of leading law firm Ian Henery Solicitors confirmed.
Bosses, backed by a barrister who specialises in licensing law, will take their case to Birmingham Magistrates’ Court.
The move follows a council licensing committee ruling that “in the balance of probability improper conduct” took place on the premises, an establishment hugely popular with Chinese res- taurant workers for 15 years. Throughout that hearing, Harmony 88 directors Quing Wei Hang and Xiaolong Hang insisted that their centre, which specialises in deep tissue massage, was the victim of mistaken identity. People had rung their doorbell in search of a massage parlour in the same Hurst Street building, they claimed.
Solicitor Mr Henery says that Harmony 88’s reputation has been irrevocably stained on hearsay and without a shred of concrete evidence.
“This should not have happened to Harmony 88,” Mr Henery said. “They have lost profits, yet done nothing wrong. They are victims of what appears to be institutionalised racism.”
At the committee hearing, councillors were shown an explicit review for Harmony 88 on an adult website. “Rang the doorbell, buzzed in immediately, up one flight of stairs where’s there’s a Chinese lady waiting for me,” it read. “Said her name was Julia. She’s dressed in all black casual, tight-fitting clothing. I’m asked to flip. On turnover, I’m asked if I’d like any extras. Good massage, a lot of teasing touches.”
Mr Henery believes the review may have been posted by a rival massage parlour in an attempt to ruin Harmony 88.
Directors of the business stress they have never employed anyone of that name.
The same online thread also carries reviews from customers for another massage parlour in the same building – and a categorical, independent denial that sexual gratification is provided at Harmony 88.
Mr Henery says the appeal will be three pronged. It will be argued that : Harmony 88 is the victim of mistaken identity; there was no attempt to verify that the review was for the business, and the massage centre, registered with Birmingham Health Authority, is the victim of a smear,
“After 15 years of hard work it is as if someone has said ‘We don’t want the business here’. Birmingham Council has got it wrong,” he added.
The Hangs took over the booming business last year, and told the meeting that any customers asking for “extras” were left in no doubt their business did NOT provide illicit services. “I put a notice in every room,” says Xialong. “No sex service provided here.”