Register or face hefty fines

THE City of Casey is cracking down on tattoo, beauty and hairdressing businesses that are not registered.
Under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008, all tattoo, hairdressing, beauty and body piercing businesses, including those that operate from a home, must be registered with the council or potentially face hefty penalties.
City of Casey Mayor Sam Aziz said it was imperative that all current and prospective health and beauty businesses were registered.
“It is in the interest of the public’s health and safety that businesses are registered with council,” Cr Aziz said.
“When businesses register, council undertakes an inspection of the premises to ensure they’re adhering to legislative requirements, including that they’re designed to promote good hygiene practices and are using correct cleaning and sterilisation practices.
“Council encourages residents to check if a business is registered before using their services.”
Council is currently conducting a blitz on unregistered businesses in the region, the mayor says.
“Any business found to be trading unregistered may be issued with an infringement, advised to cease trading immediately and have their equipment seized,” he said.
On-the-spot fine for an individual operating an unregistered tattooing, beauty or hairdressing premises is $622 and $1555 for a company.
The maximum penalty is $9328 and $46,638 respectively if the business is prosecuted in court.
Cr Aziz said unregistered businesses put the health and safety of customers at risk and could result in void business insurance.