Potential change to personal service setting licensing
Consultation has concluded
The City of Brantford currently requires a business licence for personal service settings that offer invasive services such as body piercing, electrolysis, scarification, microneedling, and tattooing.
The City received a request from the Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) to expand licensing to include non-invasive personal service settings that offer services like nail care, hair cutting, and waxing.
Currently, the licensing process for personal service settings involves the following steps:
- The business submits the application and fee to the City.
- The application is reviewed by the relevant teams to ensure public health and safety (Building, Fire, Health).
- Inspectors may visit the property if necessary to review the application and provide comments related to its approval.
- Once approved, a license is issued.
The City of Brantford licenses several different categories of businesses to support public health and safety, and to promote consumer protection. Each business licence application is received by the City Clerk’s Department and reviewed for completeness. Once the application is deemed complete, it is then circulated to the necessary inspection teams (e.g.: Building, Fire, Health, etc.) to review that the appropriate zoning, fire prevention and protection systems, and public health requirements are in place. Upon receiving comments/approvals from the necessary departments, a business licence will be issued from the Clerk’s Department.
The application fees cover the cost of licensing inspections, reviews, and administration. Business licenses are valid until March 31 annually and renewals can be completed online.
Application fees
- New Licence: $450 (pro-rated after October 1st)
- Annual Renewal: $224
Why is BCHU looking to integrate all personal service settings into the licensing program?
The Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) is requesting non-invasive services be included in the City’s established licensing program so that more businesses will be inspected by the BCHU, which will reduce potential risks to the public.
Inspecting all personal service settings will allow the BCHU to proactively address any infection control concerns and allow operators to correct infractions before they result in an infection.
10 Complaints in 2023
- 3 for invasive services (e.g.: microneedling, tattoo, etc.)
- 4 for non-invasive services (e.g. manicure, pedicures)
- 3 for non-invasive services (waxing, hair cutting, barbering)
- 7 of 10 businesses were not inspected by the BCHU prior to receiving a complaint, as no business licence was required and the operator had not arranged for an inspection.
- 1 of 7 businesses confirmed to be the source of an infection
10 Complaints to date in 2024
- 1 for invasive services
- 9 for non-invasive (e.g. manicure, pedicure, etc.)
- 1 resulted in confirmed source of infection
We want to hear from you!
Please share your thoughts on this potential change by Monday, October 14, 2024, so that comments may be compiled for consideration by staff and City Council.
It’s a great idea to finally monitor personal services that do not require certification. We hairstylists have been paying to renew our licenses since we finished learning our trade, though.
We are already subject to an annual inspection from the BCHU and we already pay our dues, also annually as we are considered ‘Journeypersons’.
The idea of paying the City of Brantford for something we already pay for is ridiculous and redundant.
It is a good idea to monitor the establishments that do not have any certification at all, especially since infections can be spread from unsanitary practices.
Chances are so slim when we are providing hair care services on our clients that we will spread infection, that it’s unbelievable we were lumped in with other service providers that penetrate skin (needles) or can cut cuticles ( manicurists).
It’s a very strong no to this new proposal of a new annual fee for Hair Stylists from this Hairstylist of 35 years.
Lori Bartram
This is absolutely ridiculous. These people already pay a useless yearly fee to the skilled trades Ontario that use to be due every 3 years. Now you want them to pay another useless fee to continue operating their business. When does the greed end?? Don’t fix what isnt broken!
This is absolutely ridiculous. These people already pay a useless yearly fee to the skilled trades Ontario that use to be due every 3 years. Now you want them to pay another useless fee to continue operating their business. When does the greed end?? Don’t fix what isnt broken!
This is absolutely ridiculous. These people already pay a useless yearly fee to the skilled trades Ontario that use to be due every 3 years. Now you want them to pay another useless fee to continue operating their business. When does the greed end?? Don’t fix what isnt broken!
Such an unnecessary thing to put on these people! They already pay the skilled trades a useless yearly fee, which use to only be renewed every 3 years. Why does everyone need their cut so these people can run a business, it’s disgusting! Don’t fix what isn’t broken!
Such an unnecessary thing to put on these people! They already pay the skilled trades a useless yearly fee, which use to only be renewed every 3 years. Why does everyone need their cut so these people can run a business, it’s disgusting! Don’t fix what isn’t broken!
Such an unnecessary thing to put on these people! They already pay the skilled trades a useless yearly fee, which use to only be renewed every 3 years. Why does everyone need their cut so these people can run a business, it’s disgusting! Don’t fix what isn’t broken!
This is absolutely terrible and ridiculous. I'm a small business and this amount of money is detrimental to my income the amount of clients I would need to do to pay this would make it pointless to be in business. How are you policing this if it impacts me it should impact every single home salon. Please do not implement this for small home businesses.
This is absolutely terrible and ridiculous. I'm a small business and this amount of money is detrimental to my income the amount of clients I would need to do to pay this would make it pointless to be in business. How are you policing this if it impacts me it should impact every single home salon. Please do not implement this for small home businesses.
Just another way to get their hands on our pockets. Most can’t afford to feed their families and the city wants more money. Worry about the infections being passed around downtown with dirty needles!
I am very concerned about this fee as a very small business owner. I’m not saying that the city can’t go after this money grab in the future, but I don’t think you realize that a lot of us businesses are just starting to get the income this year that was the same in 2019 before Covid. You all seem to think that since the lockdowns are over, our business all went back to normal. They did not. I would never have believed that it would take until 2024 to finally hit the gross income that I had back in 2019. That doesn’t mean that my expenses aren’t extremely higher than what they were last year or the year before due to beauty suppliers gouging us and also rent continuing to increase. I was so upset when I read this letter as I had my business in Oakville many years ago and the city did the same thing. Thank God it was only $100, but it was still a money grab. You need to give us some time before adding more expense to the small businesses trying to survive. Again, I’m not saying that you shouldn’t do this in the future. I’m just saying, can you please give us some time to have a couple years of recovery at our pre-Covid income. Also, we need to adjust our prices to our customers when we look at our expenses at the end of the year. Bottom line… the profit margin is significantly different. Sooooo disappointed!!!!
I am writing to express my concern regarding the licensing fees imposed on personal service setting businesses within our city. As a small business owner in this sector, I find these fees disproportionately burdensome and detrimental to both our livelihoods and the local economy.
Personal service businesses, such as salons, spas, and wellness centers, play a vital role in our community by providing essential services and creating jobs. However, the current licensing fees are prohibitively high, especially for new and small businesses. This creates an uneven playing field that favors larger enterprises while stifling local entrepreneurs who contribute to the vibrancy of our city.
Furthermore, these fees can discourage innovation and competition, ultimately limiting the choices available to consumers. In a time when we should be supporting local businesses and fostering economic growth, it is counterproductive to impose such financial barriers.
I urge the city council to reconsider the licensing fee structure for personal service businesses. A more equitable approach would not only support small business owners but also enhance our community’s overall economic health.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to seeing positive changes that will benefit both our businesses and the residents of our city.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Morris
I am writing to express my concern regarding the licensing fees imposed on personal service setting businesses within our city. As a small business owner in this sector, I find these fees disproportionately burdensome and detrimental to both our livelihoods and the local economy.
Personal service businesses, such as salons, spas, and wellness centers, play a vital role in our community by providing essential services and creating jobs. However, the current licensing fees are prohibitively high, especially for new and small businesses. This creates an uneven playing field that favors larger enterprises while stifling local entrepreneurs who contribute to the vibrancy of our city.
Furthermore, these fees can discourage innovation and competition, ultimately limiting the choices available to consumers. In a time when we should be supporting local businesses and fostering economic growth, it is counterproductive to impose such financial barriers.
I urge the city council to reconsider the licensing fee structure for personal service businesses. A more equitable approach would not only support small business owners but also enhance our community’s overall economic health.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to seeing positive changes that will benefit both our businesses and the residents of our city.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Morris
I am appalled to receive this in the mail today. This is certainly a money grabbing tactic. BCHU should focus on educating the public about choosing to have personal care services from health inspected establishments. Educate people to ask for proof of passing health inspection prior to having a service done and put some responsibility back on them for their own safety. The 7 businesses were probably flying under the radar anyhow so you really think they are going to apply for a license at $450? Let’s be real, you’re punishing the establishments that are actually following Health unit guidelines and those who won't even get health inspections certainly aren’t going to get a licence.
I am appalled to receive this in the mail today. This is certainly a money grabbing tactic. BCHU should focus on educating the public about choosing to have personal care services from health inspected establishments. Educate people to ask for proof of passing health inspection prior to having a service done and put some responsibility back on them for their own safety. The 7 businesses were probably flying under the radar anyhow so you really think they are going to apply for a license at $450? Let’s be real, you’re punishing the establishments that are actually following Health unit guidelines and those who won't even get health inspections certainly aren’t going to get a licence.
Absolutely! Our tattoo parlours have had to follow strict guidelines with health inspections for years, even in private studios. You have Waxing which is usually way more personal areas and nails and feet which are actually filthy as well as hair salons which are using clippers and scissors which have almost certainly clipped skin before. All these businesses should fall into the same category as tattoo parlours with health standards....regardless if they have to pay or not. Love how people get all defensive saying "oh the big man just wants more money" who cares when it comes to cleanliness and being held accountable to keeping a healthy business.
I honestly don’t think this is necessary. If the health unit comes in to inspect (which they do) and we pass all inspections ( which we always do) then there is no issue. I pay for my master business license, insurances etc for best business practice and this fee will just make out prices increase to reflect the ever rising costs of doing business.
This is ridiculous. There were so few complaints, and only 1 was confirmed to be the source of infection. It doesn't even say whether the invasive or non-invasive business were the source of the infection!! No mention of what the infection is either, it could be the common cold for all we know!
This is such a transparent attempt to squeeze $500 out of people. Your services aren't necessary for manicures or basic haircuts, go away.
Absolute nonsense! So you got a few complaints! Honestly the government needs to have their hands in and all over everything. Go away!! We’re talking about cutting hair and nails here. Pretty soon you’ll have to have a license for your own self care at home!!