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.
How will this new tax directly or indirectly benefit my business? As it stands, it appears to be more of a revenue grab for the city, rather than a genuine effort to support businesses. What guarantees can the city provide that these additional funds will be used to help businesses, rather than simply increasing administrative costs? What assurances will the city provide that this money will not be used to 'bloat' government administration? To justify this new tax, there must be a clear and tangible benefit for business owners and operators. As it stands, I do not see how this tax will help my business, I can only see the downsides. Instead of imposing a universal license, fines could be used to penalize businesses that don’t comply with regulations. Personal care businesses were severely impacted by COVID-19 lockdowns, and it has struggled to recover. This additional license would impose a significant financial burden at a time when my business is still trying to regain its footing. I’m already paying provincial licensing fees and shouldn’t be burdened with additional municipal licensing costs.
How will this new tax directly or indirectly benefit my business? As it stands, it appears to be more of a revenue grab for the city, rather than a genuine effort to support businesses. What guarantees can the city provide that these additional funds will be used to help businesses, rather than simply increasing administrative costs? What assurances will the city provide that this money will not be used to 'bloat' government administration? To justify this new tax, there must be a clear and tangible benefit for business owners and operators. As it stands, I do not see how this tax will help my business, I can only see the downsides. Instead of imposing a universal license, fines could be used to penalize businesses that don’t comply with regulations. Personal care businesses were severely impacted by COVID-19 lockdowns, and it has struggled to recover. This additional license would impose a significant financial burden at a time when my business is still trying to regain its footing. I’m already paying provincial licensing fees and shouldn’t be burdened with additional municipal licensing costs.
How will this new tax directly or indirectly benefit my business? As it stands, it appears to be more of a revenue grab for the city, rather than a genuine effort to support businesses. What guarantees can the city provide that these additional funds will be used to help businesses, rather than simply increasing administrative costs? What assurances will the city provide that this money will not be used to 'bloat' government administration? To justify this new tax, there must be a clear and tangible benefit for business owners and operators. As it stands, I do not see how this tax will help my business, I can only see the downsides. Instead of imposing a universal license, fines could be used to penalize businesses that don’t comply with regulations. Personal care businesses were severely impacted by COVID-19 lockdowns, and it has struggled to recover. This additional license would impose a significant financial burden at a time when my business is still trying to regain its footing. I’m already paying provincial licensing fees and shouldn’t be burdened with additional municipal licensing costs.
How will this new tax directly or indirectly benefit my business? As it stands, it appears to be more of a revenue grab for the city, rather than a genuine effort to support businesses. What guarantees can the city provide that these additional funds will be used to help businesses, rather than simply increasing administrative costs? What assurances will the city provide that this money will not be used to 'bloat' government administration? To justify this new tax, there must be a clear and tangible benefit for business owners and operators. As it stands, I do not see how this tax will help my business, I can only see the downsides. Instead of imposing a universal license, fines could be used to penalize businesses that don’t comply with regulations. Personal care businesses were severely impacted by COVID-19 lockdowns, and it has struggled to recover. This additional license would impose a significant financial burden at a time when my business is still trying to regain its footing. I’m already paying provincial licensing fees and shouldn’t be burdened with additional municipal licensing costs.
How will this new tax directly or indirectly benefit my business? As it stands, it appears to be more of a revenue grab for the city, rather than a genuine effort to support businesses. What guarantees can the city provide that these additional funds will be used to help businesses, rather than simply increasing administrative costs? What assurances will the city provide that this money will not be used to 'bloat' government administration? To justify this new tax, there must be a clear and tangible benefit for business owners and operators. As it stands, I do not see how this tax will help my business, I can only see the downsides. Instead of imposing a universal license, fines could be used to penalize businesses that don’t comply with regulations. Personal care businesses were severely impacted by COVID-19 lockdowns, and it has struggled to recover. This additional license would impose a significant financial burden at a time when businesses are still trying to regain its footing. I’m already paying provincial licensing fees and shouldn’t be burdened with additional municipal licensing costs.
How will this new tax directly or indirectly benefit my business? As it stands, it appears to be more of a revenue grab for the city, rather than a genuine effort to support businesses. What guarantees can the city provide that these additional funds will be used to help businesses, rather than simply increasing administrative costs? What assurances will the city provide that this money will not be used to 'bloat' government administration? To justify this new tax, there must be a clear and tangible benefit for business owners and operators. As it stands, I do not see how this tax will help my business, I can only see the downsides. Instead of imposing a universal license, fines could be used to penalize businesses that don’t comply with regulations. Personal care businesses were severely impacted by COVID-19 lockdowns, and some have struggled to recover. This additional license would impose a significant financial burden at a time when businesses are still trying to regain its footing. I’m already paying provincial licensing fees and shouldn’t be burdened with additional municipal licensing costs.
Subject: Concerns Regarding Proposed Regulations for Personal Service Settings
Dear Honorable Members of the City Council,
I am writing to express my concerns regarding the proposed regulations for Personal Service Settings (PSS) in Brantford. As a licensed hairstylist and business owner, I strongly believe that education and proper training are essential for ensuring public safety and maintaining high standards in our industry.
While I appreciate the intent behind the proposed regulations, I feel that they unfairly target hairstyling/haircutting services, which already require rigorous training, apprenticeships, and annual licensing fees. In contrast, other PSS services, such as body piercing, electrolysis, scarification, microneedling, tattooing, waxing and barbering, have significantly lower barriers to entry and do not require formal education or apprenticeships.
Key concerns:
1. Disparity in training requirements: Hairstyling/haircutting requires Red Seal certification and annual licensing fees, whereas other PSS services do not.
2. Inconsistent regulation: body piercing, electrolysis, scarification, microneedling, tattooing, aesthetics (spa services) and barbering can be learned through short courses or hands-on training, lacking the rigor of formal education and apprenticeships.
3. Lack of awareness: Many business owners and industry professionals are unaware of these proposed regulations.
4. Increased cost of service:
transferring new fee costs to end users, our customers, in an already depressed economy.
5.Unintended consequences: Overregulation may drive businesses underground, compromising public safety.
Statistics show that complaints regarding PSS in Brantford are relatively low (10 per year in 2023 and 2024). These statistics do not explicitly relate to hairstylist; unfairly grouping 3 non-invasive services (waxing, haircutting barbering) in 2023. I attribute this low statistic to the existing high standards and self-regulation within the hairstyling/haircutting industry.
I urge the city council to reconsider these regulations and instead focus on:
1. Harmonizing training requirements across all PSS services.
2. Enhancing education and awareness campaigns.
3. Collaborating with industry professionals to develop effective, evidence-based regulations.
As a business owner, I take pride in exceeding health and safety standards. I appreciate the Brant County Health Unit's (BCHU) efforts to ensure public safety and share their commitment to protecting our community.
I hope you will consider my concerns and engage in a more inclusive dialogue with industry stakeholders.
Sincerely,
Disappointed Business Owner
This is a terrible idea and it’s unfair to the countless non-invasive personal care businesses who have been operating for over 15 years without any issues. Keep in mind too that some of these complaints come from disgruntled clients whose claims are unfounded as you can clearly see from the results. As someone who has fallen victim to a false accusation because they simply did not want to pay their bill, I can tell you this is completely unfair. The numbers shown does not substantiate the need for licensing and inspection. We’re talking about small businesses here, some of them barely profiting. Leave people alone, we’re all trying to survive in this messed up economy as it is. Leave small businesses alone!
This is a terrible idea and it’s unfair to the countless non-invasive personal care businesses who have been operating for over 15 years without any issues. Keep in mind too that some of these complaints come from disgruntled clients whose claims are unfounded as you can clearly see from the results. As someone who has fallen victim to a false accusation because they simply did not want to pay their bill, I can tell you this is completely unfair. The numbers shown does not substantiate the need for licensing and inspection. We’re talking about small businesses here, some of them barely profiting. Leave people alone, we’re all trying to survive in this messed up economy as it is. Leave small businesses alone!
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!!!!