DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Des Moines massage therapy businesses will need to obtain a license or close under a new city ordinance designed to fight prostitution and human trafficking. The Des Moines Register reports the City Council this week unanimously approved a measure requiring massage therapy businesses to have a state license or shut down. Officials made the move because of concern that unregulated massage businesses were centers for prostitution and human trafficking. Other Iowa cities have taken similar actions, including Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Coralville and the Des Moines suburbs of Johnston and Urbandale.

Des Moines Police Chief Dana Wingert says police have a list of business suspected of illegal actions that officers will begin checking. The ordinance takes effect immediately.