Legality around massages

[Loupou]

Was wondering what would be the story with the garda and
getting erotic massages, would they treat ya the same if caught getting one as they
would the full deed? 🤔

[LazarusRisen]

The short answer to your question is "no".

A disclaimer before I elaborate is that I am not a solicitor, nor involved in the law in any way, so do your own research if you're so inclined.

There's a well established massage parlour near me. It's been there for at least the last 5 years, probably longer. It has no branding, no signage, and is up a stairs off the beaten track. Everyone in the area knows it's there. The local traders complain constantly to the Gardai about its presence. The Garda say there is nothing they can do. The long and the short of it is it's virtually impossible to prove that you received more than a massage there. From reading other threads here on the same topic, I think massage places, "legit" or otherwise, have to supply evidence - usually in the form of a certificate - that they are qualified to perform massages. Once a place has that, you're fine. Or at least that's my understanding.

There was a case going back a few years of a lady who owned a parlour in (I think) Drumcondra. She was in court twice, and twice found guilty of running a brothel. I can't remember the outcome, but I don't think she received more than a slap on the wrists and maybe a small fine. What's worth mentioning here about that case was that both occasions were precipitated by an undercover Garda booking a massage and being offered a sexual service. The point being, one of the only ways of proving sexual contact necessitates a Garda "sting" operation. As a punter you're fine. Those "sting" operations can only go after the masseuse and parlour owner.
As an aside, the parlour owner in question got off the first time by maintaining she believed happy endings to be legal, but agreed to tell her staff not to provide them any more. The second offence was defended by her assertion that the new girls working there came from a climate (abroad) where a happy ending was an expected conclusion to any massage.

As with all such matters, keeping your mouth shut if questioned is the wiser course of action. Any burden of proof rests with the state. The Gardai have a job -don't do it for them.

[Loupou]

Thanks a mil that was prob the best answer I coulda hoped for!

[Janko]

Was wondering what would be the story with the garda and
getting erotic massages, would they treat ya the same if caught getting one as they
would the full deed? ��

if she is working in her own nice place she is fine and you will too, you and her only become unstuck when two or more workers there so in this case it is treated as same (illegal) as escorting and brothel keeping in the eyes of the law

[CANALI]

Thai Massage Salons trade as legitimate business's. I would say there is at least one in every Irish town. They are prominently located, not hiding from anyone. Male & female clients going for legitimate massage but 'we' all know the extras that can be on offer, from the usual HE to full sex. In my opinion they are 'safe as houses' !! They have been my main port of call since the new 'purchasing sex' law was introduced ... A lot of them are closed due to Covid restrictions, but some are seeing 'very regular' customers ....

[johnwin530]

There are over 300 Thai massage parlours in Stockholm, the Swedish police suspect many offer "happy endings".

[JsonD]

I agree with all the above. I just wonder why more legit massage places don't offer even more services including full service. It seems to be very hard to prove what happens behind closed doors. Once a massage place has seen a customer more than once and HE has been given then it is really unlikely that customer is guard and therefore it's not sting so could offer full service without much hassel.

[giuseppeh99]

I agree with all the above. I just wonder why more legit massage places don't offer even more services including full service. It seems to be very hard to prove what happens behind closed doors. Once a massage place has seen a customer more than once and HE has been given then it is really unlikely that customer is guard and therefore it's not sting so could offer full service without much hassel.

Probably because they don't want to offer full service. What may seem a small step for you is a giant leap in intimacy for the lady.

[Amy Masseuse]

I agree with all the above. I just wonder why more legit massage places don't offer even more services including full service. It seems to be very hard to prove what happens behind closed doors. Once a massage place has seen a customer more than once and HE has been given then it is really unlikely that customer is guard and therefore it's not sting so could offer full service without much hassel.

Coz offering sex makes it a brothel. When gardai come in, once they find condoms and or lube, everyone gets arrested. Also any exchange of body fluids is sex where as he/b2b can be explained away as a sensual/healing tantra massage.

[TonyB]

I'm not a solicitor but I would think anyone advertising here would be considered to be offering sexual services.
It doesn't have to be sex.
So yes you could be found guilty of committing an offence.

This said I don't think anyone cares and you'd be extremely unlucky to be caught nevermind prosecuted