Personal care and body art business

Under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 (The Act) your business must be registered with Council's Environmental Health team if you provide the following:

  • hairdressing and barbering
  • beauty treatment including waxing, manicures, pedicures, application or mending of artificial nails, facial or body treatment, application of cosmetics
  • skin penetration procedures, including ear piercing, body piercing, electrolysis, tattooing
  • colonic irrigation

If you plan to start a new business, you must register it with Council before trading.
If you take over an existing business, you must transfer the registration before trading. 

Business Concierge

To begin the business registration process, complete and submit the Business Permit Checklist via our Business Permit Enquiry Process. Business Concierge is applicable to new and existing businesses.

Business Permit Enquiry Process

This checklist allows your proposal to be assessed by the relevant departments – Planning, Building, and Health. Each department will review your submission and provide feedback or requirements specific to their area. 

New Business

Plans Assessment

If you have not yet built the premises, you have the option to have the proposed plans evaluated. The plans should include: 

  • Type of services offered at business.
  • Floor plans including placement of all equipment, fixtures, and finishes.
  • Materials to be used for floors, walls and ceilings. 

If the plans meet all requirements, they will receive an approval stamp along with a confirmation letter.  

Please note-this is an optional inspection and fees will apply.

If you need more information, please contact on 03 9747 7200 to speak to our Environmental Health team.

Request for Assessment

Health and beauty businesses have an option to request a pre-registration inspection conducted by an Environmental Health Officer. In this inspection you will receive a report detailing necessary items to meet the requirements of The Act.

Please note: this is not the final step of the registration process but an optional inspection before the Registration Inspection therefore, fees will apply.

Registration Inspection

An Environmental Health Officer will conduct the Registration Inspection, checking structural and infection control procedures in line withThe Act.

Existing Business

Transfer of Health and Beauty Business

If you are purchasing an existing health and beauty business, you must complete the Application to Transfer the Registration form once settlement has occurred.

Pre-Inspection and Report

 If you are purchasing an established health and beauty business, then you have an option to request an inspection prior to settlement. After the inspection the applicant will receive a comprehensive report detailing any issues that do not meet regulatory standards.  

Any outstanding issues once settlement has occurred become the responsibility of the new proprietor. 

Please note: applicant will need the current owner's permission to request the inspection.  

Registration Renewal

Registrations are renewed annually and must be paid by 31 December each year. 

We’ll send renewal reminders and your annual renewal form to the email address supplied in your application for registration.

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