Mala McAlpin Some breaking news over the weekend from the New South Wales Government.
Update as of 8.30am, May 6: Since publishing this article, the inclusion of mobile beauty and spa services being allowed was removed from the NSW government website. After several hours, it was reinstated, with different wording used. See below for details.
Over the weekend, we received confirmation that beauty and personal care businesses in NSW are cleared to be open for retail as well as beauty services at home, such as massages and waxing to be allowed. Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the NSW Government decision will allow spas, nail salons, beauty salons, waxing salons and tanning salons, previously ordered to close down, to open their doors to sell products and gift vouchers.
Spas, salons, and clinics can open for retail
“As we head towards Mother’s Day, this exemption will give smaller businesses a boost as it puts them on an even footing with larger retailers already selling beauty and personal care goods,” Mr Hazzard said. “For small business owners in rural and regional areas, the pre Mother’s Day sale is a big part of their annual profits and will help those who are already doing it tough due to drought and bushfires. It means they can put their ‘open’ sign in windows again.”
According to nsw.gov.au, case numbers have fallen steadily across NSW thanks to widespread testing, strict quarantine measures and general adherence to social distancing restrictions.
“This exemption signals a positive step NSW is taking towards relaxing restrictions under the public health orders but will still require observance of the four square metre rule,” said Hazzard. “In-store activity will be restricted to retail sales only, including collecting goods bought online or over the phone, with customers urged to spend minimal time collecting their purchase. Services like waxing, manicures and tanning are not permitted.”
“We know this is a very small concession for these businesses but hopefully if COVID-19 cases remain low, further allowances can be made in the future. To ensure the safety of customers and other staff, the operator of the business must ensure that any person who is unwell must not work in the business. Further, they must practise good hygiene and have hand sanitiser available.”
With many businesses remaining open for retail throughout lockdown over the past several weeks, there have been a lot of questions from industry around whether or not it has in fact been illegal to operate this entire time, so this news comes as a comfort to many NSW businesses who now have clear legislation to abide by. At the time of publishing this article, QLD, TAS, VIC & WA are NOT allowed to trade as retail as beauty and personal care premises are restricted and need to remain closed.
Mobile at-home spa and beauty services are allowed
SPA+CLINIC discovered on May 4 that nsw.gov.au had published a paragraph giving mobile beauty services the green light. Under the heading ‘Home services and mobile businesses’ it stated: Services can be provided in your home provided hygiene and social distancing requirements are followed where possible. This includes services provided at home by spas, nail, beauty, waxing and tanning salons, tattoo parlours or massage parlours. It was removed the morning of May 5, causing incredible industry confusion and dismay, as many mobile salons had begun operating again already. Below is the original statement before it was removed.
On the evening of May 5, the NSW government website had reinstated the section allowing mobile treatments – NOT home salons – and now reads as follows: Spas, nail salons, beauty salons, waxing salons and tanning salons can only open to sell their products. This covers any business premises, regardless of whether it operates in a retail outlet or in a private home.
Any business providing mobile services must comply with all relevant laws, including work, health and safety and public health laws, as well as local council and planning requirements. Social distancing should be followed when visiting homes.
