Health and beauty premises
Under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008, all business that offer the following services require registration:
- beauty therapy including hairdressing and make-up;
- tattooing and skin penetration;
- ear and body piercing;
- colonic irrigation; and
- other premises not exempt by the legislation.
Premises conducting the above types of businesses require registration with Council under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 and an inspection is required prior to registration.
For information and requirements regarding premises design and construction, and processes and risks involved with these activities please refer to the Department of Health's Infection prevention and control guidelines for hair, beauty, tattooing and skin penetration industries.
Registration or transfer of business
The process is as follows for all businesses:
- Complete and submit an Application to Register or Transfer a Health Premises and provide all requested documentation.
- An Environmental Health Officer will contact you to request further information and organise an inspection(s).
- Once the officer is satisfied that all of the Public Health and Wellbeing Act requirements have been met, an invoice* will be issued.
- Once paid, a certificate of registration is issued and trade may commence.
*Fees apply for for all health businesses.
Annual renewal of registration
Once you have been registered, you will be required to renew your registration each calendar year (1 January to 31 December). You will be issued two items: A request to update your contact and business details, and your renewal fee for the following year, and the fee must be paid prior to the expiration of your current registration. You may pay online, in-person or over the phone. Ensure that you have your debtor number (present at the top of the invoice) to be able to pay in-person or over the phone.
You may submit the renewal form online, or in person.
Transfer of registration
If you are purchasing an existing premise you will need a Transfer Inspection conducted to ensure that the premise complies with the Regulations. Council requires a written request for a Transfer inspection from the new proprietor. Please see the following link to download the Transfer of Registration.
Sale and/or purchase of an existing business
In the case of a purchase of an existing business, the outgoing proprietor must submit to Council in writing of their intention of closure and the settlement date.
The incoming proprietor must follow the steps above as per new businesses.
Additional resources
Still unsure of what you need for an Environmental Health permit?
Please contact us via email at environmentalhealth@hrcc.vic.gov.au or by phone on 5382 9777 for further information.
Unsure of what else you need other than registration permits from Environmental Health?
We're here to help. The Horsham Rural City Council Economic Development team is available to you through the process to obtain the right permits and provide insight on what grants may be available for your business.
Visit their page for more information on starting, expanding or buying a business.