Business gets a haircut

A HOME-based hairdressing business in Cranbourne East has a $21,000 bill after taking on the City of Casey in court.
The council took the proprietor to Frankston Magistrates’ Court over five charges for non-compliance under the Public Health and Well-being Act 2008, relating to operating an unregistered business and breaching a prohibition notice.
The proprietor pleaded guilty to all charges and was convicted and fined $15,000 and ordered to pay the council’s costs of $6150.
City of Casey Mayor Sam Aziz said the $21,150 consequence served as a warning to other businesses.
“Under the Act, all tattoo, hairdressing, beauty and body piercing businesses, including those that operate from a home, must be registered with council,” he said.
“Council is committed to pro-actively investigating businesses trading unregistered to protect the health and safety of our residents.
“When businesses register, council undertakes an inspection of the premises to ensure compliance with public health standards such as correct cleaning and sterilisation practices.”
Cr Aziz urged all existing and prospective hair, beauty and tattoo businesses to ensure they’re registered with the council.
An on-the-spot fine for an individual operating an unregistered hairdressing, tattooing or beauty premises is $622 and $1555 for a company, with the maximum penalty $9328 and $46,638 respectively if the business is prosecuted in court.
Visit www.casey.vic.gov.au/health-safety/public-health for more information about registering a business with the council.