The Guwahati Municipal Corporation has banned therapy or massage services by the opposite sex in hair-cutting saloons, spas and beauty parlours in the main city of Assam.
In an order issued on November 13, the GMC said a number of complaints were received from citizens alleging several malpractices in certain spas and unisex parlours which have been deemed to be detrimental to a civic society.
Stating that the corporation is bound to respect public morality and the laws which govern a civic society, it has decided to issue trade licenses for spas, beauty parlours and saloons subject to certain guidelines with due regard to the fundamental principle of the Guwahati Municipal Corporation Act.
The new conditions said that there shall not be any exclusive rooms or chambers within the premises of the parlour, spa or saloon and the main doors should be transparent. It also said that only qualified therapists should offer the services while therapy or massage cannot be provided by the opposite sex.
The new rule also called for registration of address and phone numbers of all persons visiting the trade establishments.
The new rule will be applicable in Guwahati city only.
