Personal service establishment applications and inspections

Information on inspections and the process and guidelines for applications to operate a personal service establishment, which includes estheticians, tattoo artists and hair stylists.

Inspections

Environmental health officers (EHOs) inspect personal service establishments under the Regulated Activities Regulation and work with facility operators to guide approval processes, prevent health hazards, and reduce the risk of transmitting communicable diseases. EHOs also regularly inspect personal service establishments and also respond if someone files a complaint. 

Personal services inspection reports

Complaints for personal service establishments

Please use our feedback form to share your concerns about a facility and would like to make a report.

Health protection feedback form

Open a personal service establishment or a personal service at a temporary event

Operators are responsible for ensuring they comply with legislation, health authority policies, and municipal by-laws and obtaining all licences and/or approvals required to operate.

Some medical procedures, such as injections and wart removal, must be conducted by a regulated health professional. Professions that fall under the Health Professions Act and that are regulated under a professional association are not inspected by Vancouver Coastal Health. Some examples include registered acupuncturist, physiotherapists and registered massage therapists. See the Ministry of Health for more information on professional regulation.

  • Opening a service establishment: Submit a non-permitted application form and additional supporting documentation to your local Health Protection Office. You can find the office locations listed at the bottom of this page.
  • Services at a temporary event or tradeshow: Submit an application for personal services for an event form to your local Health Protection Office, listed below. You can find the office locations listed at the bottom of this page.

Guidelines and resources for operators

Find this service near you

OR
  • Environmental health & inspections offices

    Health Protection Office at 601 Broadway

    601 West Broadway, 12th floor, Suite 1200 Vancouver
  • Environmental health & inspections offices

    Health Protection Office at Central Community Health Centre

    132 West Esplanade North Vancouver
  • Environmental health & inspections offices

    Health Protection Office at Gibsons Health Unit

    821 Gibsons Way Gibsons
  • Environmental health & inspections offices

    Health Protection Office at qathet General Hospital

    5000 Joyce Avenue Powell River
  • Environmental health & inspections offices

    Health Protection Office at Richmond Place – 8100 Granville Avenue

    8100 Granville Avenue Richmond
  • Environmental health & inspections offices

    Health Protection Office at Sechelt Health Unit

    PO Box 1040, 5571 Inlet Avenue Sechelt
  • Environmental health & inspections offices

    Health Protection Office at Squamish Community Health Centre

    1140 Hunter Place Squamish
  • Environmental health & inspections offices

    Health Protection Office at Whistler Health Care Centre

    4380 Lorimer Road Whistler