Originally issued Thursday, 2 September 2010

An operator of the infamous WA business formerly known as ‘Bikini Girls Massage’ has been fined $12,100 and ordered to pay $5,000 in costs after admitting more than 40 breaches of fair trading and business name laws.

Mr Bon Levi appeared at the Magistrates’ Court of Western Australia today for what was due to be the start of a trial but what was instead a plea of guilty to 43 offences under the Fair Trading Act 1987 and Business Names Act 1962.

Consumer Protection brought the case after “health salon” job vacancies were advertised in community newspapers, which failed to mention the requirement for staff to wear bikinis while massaging naked or mostly naked men.

The adverts also omitted information that candidates would effectively be sub-contractors who had to rent facilities from the operators.

The Commissioner for Consumer Protection believed the adverts were likely to mislead applicants as to the true nature, terms and conditions of the employment; amounting to offences under the Fair Trading Act.

Today Magistrate Wheeler described the advertisements as leaving “no doubt they were misleading in that they did not state the true position.” 

He added that they “were advertised widely and affected a large group of people within the community.” 

In addition to imposing a $9,600 fine for Fair Trading Act breaches, fines totalling $2,500 were handed down for Business Names Act charges, related to running a business under an unregistered name and carrying on an unregistered business. 

Magistrate Wheeler noted that Mr Levi “had a long track record with the authorities.”

A total of $17,100 must now be paid by Mr Levi.

Members of the public with any queries should contact Consumer Protection on 1300 30 40 54.

Media enquiries: 6552 9248 or cpmedia@dmirs.wa.gov.au