DUBAI // Four men's hair salons were temporarily shut down during the first three months of the year for violating hygiene and cleanliness standards.
The municipality has warned that more salons could close as inspectors crack down.
"If there are two major violations consecutively, we close for a week," said Redha Salman, director of public health and safety
"Temporary closures this year so far have been four ... we are stricter this year, so it may increase."
Barber shops are ordered to close if inspectors find major violations, such as workers not possessing occupational health cards that prove they do not have communicable diseases. A lack of approved disinfectants, absence of clean towels, smoking inside the salons, use of products of unknown origin or having petroleum in products can also cause closure after a warning.
Mr Salman said his department had inspected 3,908 premises so far this year and was looking to increase compliance levels among the nearly 1,300 salons.
"There is 94.8 per cent compliance this year. We have a target of 97 per cent," he said.
Last year, there were 1,555 visits in the first four months.
The gents salons are ranked from A to C grades with A being the highest.
"They have to get at least a C grade. The frequency of inspections increase when the grade becomes lower," said Mr Salman.
Minor offences like dirty uniforms, an absence of no-smoking signs and unhygienic surroundings can prompt warnings.