If you are starting your own health or beauty business, there are some important steps you will need to follow.
In Victoria it is required by law that all Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 premises are registered with their local Council.
A Public Health and Wellbeing Act premise may be:
- hairdresser
- beautician
- tattooist
- body piercer
- myotherapist
- colonic irrigation and other physical therapies.
The Act also includes the registration of accommodation premises.
Step one - Research
Visit the Business Victoria website to research all aspects of starting a new business.
The requirements for the Hair, Beauty and Skin Penetration industry are available from your local council or from the Health guidelines for personal care and body art industries page of the Department of Health Victoria website.
Step two – Approval from other authorities
Permits or exemptions may be required from other authorities prior to applying for a registration with the Councils Health Services Unit.
These may include, but are not limited to:
Step three – Your proposal to register
A "Proposal to register a health and wellbeing premises" application needs to be made prior to any work commencing.
- This can be done on line or in paper form
- The fee should be paid
- A copy of plans should be attached.
The plans need to include:
- The layout of all fixtures, fittings and equipment
- A description of materials to be used for surface finishes including walls, floors and bench tops. (A legend on the side of the plan may be used).
- A summary of the work to be undertaken at your new premises
Step four – Approval of your plans
An Environmental Health Officer may request further information and/or an inspection of the premises prior to the approval being given.
We are also available at any time during the construction phase to discuss any query or meet you on-site.
Once Council has received all the relevant information and is satisfied that it meets all the requirements, a plan approval letter will be sent to the applicant along with a Public Health and Wellbeing Act application form. This form must be returned with the applicable registration fee.
Step five – Granting registration
- The registration application form must be fully completed, signed and returned to the Health Services Unit with the nominated fee.
- The officer will then, usually give you approval to open the business and will conduct a full compliance inspection at a later date to ensure compliance.
- In addition to any site or progress inspections of your premise a further inspection must occur PRIOR to the business opening.
- Please advise the officer of your intended opening date as soon as you know, so that an inspection can take place once all works are completed and you can begin trading.
Step six – Registration periods
For most Health and Beauty premises registration the registration period is from 1 January to 31 December each year.
A renewal of registration will be sent to you approximately one month prior to end of the registration period.
Registration is slightly different for hairdressing only and some low risk beauty therapy services.
The plan approval letter referred to in Step 4 will give details of your registration period.
If you do not understand your registration and compliance requirements you can speak to the Health Officer during their next inspection or contact our Health Services Unit on 03 5272 4411.