GMC restricts 'cross-gender massage' in parlours, spas and salons

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• Nov 15, 2021 | moderator

Guwahati: The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) lately set limitations upon the mode of operation for spas, beauty parlours and salons. Abiding by the guidelines of the GMC will be the only way for the owners to get a valid license for running salons, spas and parlours.

GMC recently conducted a raid and sealed M/s The Waves Spa & Salon located at Lachit Nagar, Ulubari, for violating GMC rules and by-laws. The spa and salon did not hold a legitimate trade license, and there were additional complaints against it.

In 2011, the GMC said it follows 'Ease of Doing Business' system. So, they had no objection to entrepreneurs beginning hair-cutting salons/ beauty parlours/ spas in the city. 

However, the corporation has recieved various complaints claiming several malpractices in certain spas and unisex parlours. Furthermore, citizens made complaints stating that such practices would damage the civic society. 

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Therefore, considering various complaints, GMC took certain steps to maintain a healthy civic environment. So, the corporation shall issue trade permits to salons, beauty parlours, spas subjected to specific guidelines under the fundamental policy of the Guwahati Municipal Corporation Act.

The corporation has set certain guidelines for receiving the license. The guidelines include: 

• The entrance door of the salons, spas and parlours should be made transparent.
• No spas, salons or parlours should include any exclusive rooms or chambers within the premises.
• Spas and unisex parlours should hire qualified therapists.
• Opposite-sex individuals cannot provide massage in the parlours or spas.
• Steam bath chambers must not allow opposite-sex staff to assist in any manner.