Well this is double edged!
This is a license from the local Environmental Health Dept. The purpose of it is to make sure that salons follow all H&S regulations and staff are suitable qualified. As a consumer I'm sure you'd like to know there are some regulations.
I know someone will now say that they don't know what they are talking about when they visit and some don't. Regulations, qualifications and acceptable industry working practices change all the time and the do, on the whole, try to keep up.
So many winge about why 'they' (whoever they are) don't regulate the industry which under current legislation is virtually impossible. Areas that can be regulated, legally, i.e. H&S issues, are regulated and that's not right either!!!!
Yes, the cost is quite high but they are not a charity and council taxes pay for other things. It's your choice to have a salon and your choice what services you offer. Just add the cost to your overheads. It's not a surprise.