DEPUTY Chief Constable of the City Constabulary, Trevor Merriman maintained yesterday that barbering on the streets and other open places is an offence.
He reiterated that persons found engaging in the practice will be arrested and charged. Earlier this week, the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) issued a press release, calling on citizens not to support illegal barbers and cosmetologists by sitting on their benches and stools in open air, to have their hair cut or their nails manicured.
Yesterday, Merriman spoke with the Guyana Chronicle in his City Hall compound office, together with Superintendent Stephen Bailey, who is responsible for the administrative aspect of the Constabulary.
“The focus for the Constabulary, right now, is the barbers who are giving us a number of problems in the streets. For a long time, citizens and others have been complaining about what results from the practice, such as hair on clothing,” Merriman stated.
He said four persons were arrested and placed before the court last week for the offence.

RESISTANCE
“We don’t mind if they find a private place to conduct their business. But I think a time has come for them to come off the streets. So far, we have had some resistance from some of them,” Merriman reported.
Meanwhile, M&CC said the individuals have not been registered and may not be fit to provide such services.
It was pointed out that illegal barbering exposes citizens to ‘fly’ hair carried by the wind that can cling to people’s clothing and affect their personal well-being.
“This is particularly true in circumstances of Georgetown where illegal barbering is taking place in very close proximity to open air stalls and stands with fruits, vegetables and other foods, such as bread, cakes and cheese,” the release said.
It said, late last week, ranks of the Constabulary arrested one person engaged in barbering on Council’s pavement and removed makeshift tents. Furthermore, a number of tools and equipment were taken from those who were involved in this illegal practice and some cosmetologists were warned.
In addition, things taken from those who were doing manicures and pedicures in the streets were lodged at the Stabroek Constabulary Outpost.
Under the law, those who are desirous of doing barbering and other beauty activities must be registered with the M&CC and are required to be properly attired and do medical examinations to determine that they are not suffering from any communicable disease.
They are also obligated to ensure that the tools and equipment used, in treating their clients and citizens are properly sterilised in prescribed solutions, and those requirements cannot be met by outdoor barbers.
“Those who indulge in illegal barbering and hair dressing are putting at risk the health of all citizens,” the municipality emphasised.