The Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs (DLCA) Division of Boards and Commissions has begun issuing citations to barbers and beauticians who have failed to renew and/or apply for a business license. Last week, DLCA 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 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.”
Residents should ask their personal barber, beautician or manicurist whether or not he/she has a certification. If not, encourage them to contact DLCA and arrange to take the next regularly scheduled examination. Otherwise, DLCA will issue a citation to those found working without a valid certification.
Consumers or merchants with questions may contact the Division of Boards and Commissions on St. Croix at 713-3522, St. Thomas at 714-3522 or St. John at 693-8036. For consumer related issues, email the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs at consumerawareness@dlca.vi.gov or follow DLCA on Facebook.
