Pune: PMC To Take Action Against Unlicensed Beauty Parlours, Hair Salons, Spas Operating In The City

Pune, 1st June 2022: The health department of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has decided to take action against unlicensed beauty parlours, hair salons, and spas operating in the city, and has issued directives to Ward Medical Officers (WMO) and Zonal Medical Officers (ZMO) to take action.

Over the last five years, the city has seen an influx of spas, beauty salons, and massage parlours. The civic administration asked WMOs to undertake a study to determine the number of centres operating without permits in October of last year.
During the survey, officials discovered a total of 2,626 such firms. However, the city authority only has 504 hair salons and 311 beauty parlours registered.

The PMC had also decided to take action against illicit massage parlours, but later discovered that the businesses were not covered by its jurisdiction.

“Over 3,441 beauty parlours and hair salons are operating in PMC limits,” said a civic official.
The official added, “2,626 of these stores are operating without a permit or licence. Only 815 businesses have signed up with us. The civic body charges hair salons Rs 50 per chair and beauty parlours Rs 400 per chair in annual registration fees.”

Individuals as well as well-known global chains operate the city’s shopping centres, according to the official.

“According to the rules, everyone must obtain a licence from the PMC health department. However, the majority of them have recently obtained a Shop Act licence and are already operating,” the official stated.”

The department has asked all officials involved to take action against the erring establishments, according to Dr. Manisha Naik, The Interim PMC Health Chief.

“Last week, the orders were issued. Officials will give notices to such centres on the scene, and lawsuits will be filed against the irresponsible shops. Previously, warnings were sent to the centres, advising them to register with the PMC. Those who did not obey the rules will now face consequences,” said Naik.

She added, “Massage parlours and spas do not fall under any part of law that requires them to obtain registration and licences from the civic body so as a result, we won’t be able to do anything about it.”