A bill making it harder for massage parlors to operate in Georgia passed the state Senate today.

It sets up strong license requirements for massage parlors and prohibits escort or adult entertainment on the same premises.

The bill also gives local governments more power to regulate such entities.

The bill was sponsored by Senator Cecil Staton of Macon, where about 20 massage parlors are currently in operation.

"This is a bill that will help us tackle illegal activities that are occurring at various areas in our state," says Staton "and it occurs quite frequently in my own area of the state under the guise of massage parlors and spas."

Under the bill violations would carry a felony charge and after 3 arrests violators face a $25,000 fine and up to five years in prison.

Tags: lawmakers, Senator, Macon, massage parlors, Cecil Staton, Macon massage parlors