City council to debate tougher licensing rules for salons, tattoo parlours

Toronto’s city council will debate tougher licensing rules for beauty shops, tattoo parlours and other businesses offering “personal services” during next week’s meeting.

The changes have already been approved by Toronto’s Board of Health and if council gives its approval, the licensing fees would come into effect on July 1.

The city says it’s targeting blood-borne infections like hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

Licensing fees already exist for barber shops and hair salons, and would be expanded to businesses that offer tattooing, body piercing, electrolysis, acupuncture, micro-pigmentation, manicures, pedicures and various aesthetic services.

A city report found that 58 per cent of Toronto residents already believe that these kinds of stores are licensed – but they’re not.

The report also showed several graphic images of infections sustained at some tattoo and piercing parlours.  Click here to see them.

While the stores are not currently licensed, they are inspected annually. The city is hoping licensing will help keep track of new establishments, and allow them to investigate complaints against specific businesses.

Businesses would also have to post health inspection results in the window, similar to restaurants under Toronto’s DineSafe program.

The city argued that licensing is necessary to monitor the spread of infection and that the $325.25 application fees would be offset by charges.

Would it make you feel safer to visit a licensed tattoo parlour? Or nail salon? Let us know in the comments.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today