The Manchester Parish Council has began a crackdown on barber shops and beauty salons which are operating without a licence.

Brenda Ramsay, Mayor of Mandeville confirmed that there has been a strong response from barbers and hairdressers in the parish since the announcement of plans to clamp down on those who were operating outside the requirements that they and their salons be certified and licensed.

In a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) release, Winston Palmer, secretary/manager, at the Manchester Parish Council said operators of beauty facilities, who were not compliant, could lose their licence. "A number of persons like barbers and hairdressers and other salon workers, who need to be licensed have done so, but what is happening is that a lot of shop operators have not sought to get certified," he said.

The release further reported that since July 21, the council officials have been doing assessments of the compliance rate. They have warned those who are in breach and they are to be issued with notices of closure. If they do not comply with this notice, they will be taken before the court.

In addition, Palmer said those persons within the industry who have their individual licences but work in an uncertified establishment might have their licence suspended and they could also be prosecuted if the courts find them answerable.

In June, the council hosted a sensitisation seminar to update barbers, hairdressers and others working in the industry on what the law requires and the certification process. They were then given 30 days to ensure that their businesses meet the requirements.

"We as a council want to protect the health of the public and when a salon is certified, it has to follow rules laid down by the Health Department," Palmer said.