APAN fights to allow clients to remove masks in Victoria salons

The Aesthetics Practitioners Advisory Network (APAN) has launched a poll in a bid to lobby the Victorian government to allow clients to remove face masks during treatments.

“We have just had several discussions with (Liberal member of the Victorian Legislative Council) Matthew Bach’s office and they are preparing a strong case to present at the next legislative council meeting next week,” says Tina Viney, CEO of APAN.

Since eased lockdown in the state last month allowed salons to re-open, strict rules were put in place, including mandatory masks for both therapist and customer. While this wouldn’t have a large impact on body treatments, it heavily limits the facial therapies that can be carried out, greatly impacting business of many salons.

“We are keen to help overturn this restriction as a matter of urgency as there are many businesses heading toward bankruptcy” says Tina.

In order to provide government with factual evidence of the degree to which the restrictions are harming business, APAN is asking salon owners and beauty workers to complete the poll, answering three questions:

  1. Would clients wearing a mask severely restrict your ability to trade and recover?

2. Is 90% of your business facial treatments?

3. Has your salon entered bankruptcy or is it beyond recovery at this time and about to cease trading?

The poll will close on November 12, with all results presented to Premier Daniel Andrews, Victorian Health Minister Dr Martin Foley, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council Georgie Crozier, Federal MA Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews, as well as Matthew Bach.

You can complete the poll here.

Visit the #BEAUTYSTRONG hub at https://professionalbeauty.go-vip.net/beautystrong/

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