Spas, beauty parlours work without permits; Corpn to tighten checks

CHENNAI: Two years after the Greater Chennai Corporation mandated trade licences for spas, massage and beauty parlours in the city, only 34 such establishments are functioning with the requisite permit.

According to Corporation data, 25 spas, 8 beauty parlours and 1 massage parlour had secured trade licenses. “The issuance of trade licences to such establishments was affected due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the process of issuing it resumed now,” an official said.

The data also shows that 188 applications from spas, massage and beauty parlours have been received in the last two years. To prevent misconduct in the name of massage centres and spas, the civic body had issued an order mandating licenses from April 1. The rules also included police verification and a no-objection certificate.

Of the 188 applications, 115 are from spas and 58 from beauty parlours. “While the police and health departments can take actions against any misconduct at the establishments, the Corporation can do so if these function without licence,” the official added.

As per a rough estimate, the city had 600 massage parlours, spas and beauty parlours. The civic body had plans to conduct a meeting with the entrepreneurs on the importance of trade licences. “Even, some of the reputed brands are yet to apply for licences,” the official said.

Several conditions are in place, including the installation of CCTV cameras and a stipulated time of functioning. the rules also mention the minimum qualification of employees. As per the new norms, massage services should not be provided behind a locked door and external doors to be kept open during working hours. Illicit activities under the guise of such establishments would not be allowed. Trade licences for beauty parlours had been mandated following a High Court directive in 2014 asking the government to bring massage centres and beauty parlours under the ambit of law.