Personal services (salons, tattoos, piercings, etc.) requirements and permits
Personal services are done on your body and include anything from hair cutting to tattooing and everything in between.
Personal services include, but are not limited to:
- hair cutting and barbering
- manicures and pedicures
- aesthetics such as waxing and facials
- tattooing and micropigmentation (permanent make-up)
- body piercing
- ear piercing
- electrolysis
Proper infection control is important
It is important for owners and operators to follow proper infection control practices at all times to reduce the risk of blood-borne infections such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV, bacterial and fungal infections.
Remember, you do not have to see blood or body fluids on equipment or surfaces for infections to spread. Owners and operators who are knowledgeable and have good infection prevention and control practices ensure a safe environment for members of the public.
Please visit our events planning page for details on reducing the spread of infection.
Our role
Public health inspectors inspect personal services settings on a regular basis. Our inspections are directed by the Infection Prevention and Control Protocol, 2019 and the Personal Service Settings Regulation. The regulation sets out minimum standards for operators in the areas of prohibited services, personal hygiene, cleaning, disinfection and sterilization of equipment, record keeping, and setting requirements to protect the public.
Public health inspectors will also offer free consultation services to assist you in meeting the applicable legislation.
Consult with your local municipality (Association of Municipalities of Ontario) to determine if your proposed location meets proper zoning and building requirements. Some municipalities and food premises may require a business license in order to operate a commercial business.
If you are attending a special event, fair, trade show, or expo you must fill out a Special Event Personal Services Permit prior to the event so a public health inspector can review the requirements with you.
How do I apply for a permit?
Personal Services Application Package
Special events for personal services can include fairs, expos, and conventions. It is the responsibility of the vendor to meet the requirements of Ontario Regulation 136/18: Personal Service Settings. Vendors must submit a completed Special Event Personal Services Permit at least 20 days prior to the event.
Personal Service Vendors must:
- Complete the Special Event Personal Services Permit to notify Public Health of the date(s) and location in which they propose to offer their services to the public at least 20 days before the event.
- Notify Public Health of any significant changes to the original application.
- List all the services they intend to provide at the event.
- Ensure the personal services requirements listed in the application packages are followed.
Once the completed application is received, a public health inspector will review the package with the personal service vendor. If approved, a permit will be issued within 10 days from the date the application was approved.
Check Before You Go! Inspection and enforcement information
For inspection and enforcement information, visit Check Before You Go! or contact us at 705.522.9200 ext. 464 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200). Check Before You Go! has information about required and follow-up inspections, infractions, convictions, as well as orders imposed by Public Health Sudbury & Districts.
You can find information related to:
- food premises
- personal services settings
- licensed child care settings
- public pools, spas and splash pads
- public beaches
- drinking water
- recreational camps
- tobacco and electronic cigarette vendors
This item was last modified on September 11, 2024