The Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs (DLCA) Division of Boards and Commissions has started issuing citations to barbers and beauticians who fail to renew or apply for a business license.
The department said this morning that last week it visited barbers, beauticians and manicurist shops to educate and issue verbal warnings on compliance. On Wednesday, DLCA began to issue citations to individuals for “operating with an expired business license” or “operating without a valid business license” within a barber shop, beauty shop or manicurist shop. The establishment within which an unlicensed person is operating is also issued a citation.
Pursuant to the Virgin Islands Code, individuals seeking to hold a license as a barber, beautician or manicurist must sit and pass a written and practical examination administered through the department. Only after passing both examinations, the Board of Barbers, Beauticians and Manicurists shall authorize an individual to engage as a barber, beautician or manicurist.
“DLCA is going to continue to assist and educate businesses on their responsibilities as a business owner and/or professional prior to regulating,” said DLCA Commissioner Nominee Evangelista. “DLCA is going to protect the consumer by ensuring that barbers, beauticians and manicurists meet the minimum qualifications to hold themselves out as professionals in their respective field.”
DLCA said residents should ask their personal barber, beautician or manicurist whether or not he/she has his/her certification. If not, encourage them to contact DLCA and arrange to take the next regularly scheduled examination. Otherwise, DLCA will issue a citation to barbers, beauticians and manicurists found working without a valid certification.
The department said consumers or merchants with questions may contact the Division of Boards and Commissions on St. Croix at (340) 713-3522; St. Thomas at (340) 714-3522; or on St. John at (340) 693-8036. \