Personal service establishment permit

A personal service establishment permit is the public health approval or notice a business offering personal services needs before it opens. Fraser Health lists services such as ear piercing, manicures, pedicures, tanning, waxing and tattoos. A buyer of a salon, spa or tattoo shop meets it when confirming whether the existing paperwork carries over to a new operator. Despite the name, in Ontario the document is a notice rather than a permit.

Ontario and British Columbia

In Ontario, O. Reg. 136/18 says every person who intends to operate a personal service setting shall give written notice to the medical officer of health of the health unit at least 14 days before beginning operation, subject to the settings the Regulation excludes, such as hospitals. In British Columbia, Fraser Health says an application form with floor plans must be submitted to the local health protection office before a personal service establishment opens, and that its inspections check that sanitation, disinfection and infection control procedures are followed. This entry covers Ontario and Fraser Health in British Columbia only; check the rules with the health authority where the business is.

What to check or ask

• Whether the paperwork is a permit, an approval or a notice, and in whose name it stands.
• Whether a change of operator needs a new notice or application, and how far ahead.
• Whether recent inspection results are posted and whether any directions are outstanding.

A full list of what to confirm is in the licence and permit transfer checklist. Inspection history is explained under health inspection report.