Barber Shops, Hair/Nail Salons to Get City Inspections, Fees
By Editor at September 26, 2023 | 7:35 pm | Print
The Common Council sent a new resolution to the consolidating committee to review a process that will charge barber shops, salons and cosmetology businesses permits and fees Wednesday night.
Fees will be $75 to establish a permit. With 1-5 work stations it will be $100, for 6-10 it will be $150. First or second re-inspection fee will be $50 apiece.
It also states that, “No barbershop, hairdressing, cosmetology shop and/or nail salon having a permanent location shall be relocated, constructed, remodeled, or extensively altered, nor shall a structure be converted to use as a barbershop or hairdressing and/or cosmetology shop, except in accordance with plans and specifications approved by the New Britain Health Department.”
At least once a year, the Director of Health, or his/her authorized agent, shall inspect each barbershop, hairdressing and/or cosmetology shop/salon and/or nail salon and shall make as many additional inspections as are necessary.
The purpose of these standards is to regulate sanitary conditions to prevent the spread of disease including, but not limited to, viral bacterial, and fungal infections.
Failure to comply with the provisions of this code and applicable regulations shall be grounds for revocation or suspension of any permit issued under the provisions of this code. The Director of Health may suspend, without warning, prior notice or hearing, any permit to operate a barbershop or hair dressing and or cosmetology shop/salon if, the owner, operator or person in charge has interfered with the performance of the Director of Health’s duties.
The resolution also says, “no permit shall be granted to any individual to operate a barber shop or hairdressing shop unless such person has been licensed as a barber or hairdresser/cosmetician for at least two years.”
Some items may close the shop including an ongoing outbreak of infectious, pathogenic or toxic agent capable of being transmitted to consumers; the absence of potable water, supplied under pressure, in a quality which, in the opinion of the Director of Health, is capable of meeting the needs of the facility; a sewage backup into the facility.
Various other conditions are on such things as towels, head rests, animals, food and walls.
Last year Mayor Tim O’Brien tried to pass a similar resolution to bill property owners $150 per rental property. The landlords got together to sue the City. In the process the fee was lowered to $50 per unit, but a lawsuit is still pending.
Ronalter Named Fire Chief
The Common Council on Wednesday night also named Thomas Ronalter to the position of Fire Chief.
“Mr. Ronalter has been a lifelong resident of New Britain and shown throughout his career a deep desire to serve the City,” said Alderman Suzanne Bielinski. “He has been acting chief for one year and a half. It is time we make it permanent. He will serve the City well.”
“I appreciate the council’s confidence in me,” said Ronalter. “I consider this another way to serve the City. I look forward to serving the department.”
