(a) No person shall practice the occupation of master barber in this state unless he has first obtained a license as provided in § 20-236. Said department shall furnish to each person to whom a license is issued a card certifying that the holder thereof is entitled to practice the occupation of master barber in this state, and the holder of such card shall post the same in a conspicuous place in front of his working chair, where it may readily be seen by all persons whom he may serve. Said department shall keep a register in which shall be entered the names of all persons to whom such licenses are issued, and said register shall be at all times open to public inspection. The board may suspend or revoke any license or certificate granted by it or take any of the actions set forth in § 19a-17 if the holder of a license is incompetent, is habitually intoxicated or habitually addicted to the use of morphine, cocaine, or other habit-forming drugs, or is a violator of any provision of this chapter or of the regulations adopted pursuant thereto or is suffering from physical or mental illness or emotional disorder or loss of motor skill including but not limited to, deterioration through the aging process. Before any license is suspended or revoked or action taken under § 19a-17, such holder shall be given notice and afforded opportunity for hearing as provided in the regulations adopted by the Commissioner of Public Health. The Commissioner of Public Health may order a certificate or license holder to submit to a reasonable physical or mental examination if his physical or mental capacity to practice safely is the subject of an investigation. Said commissioner may petition the superior court for the judicial district of Hartford to enforce such order or any action taken pursuant to § 19a-17.

(b) No person, other than a person operating a barber shop on May 17, 1982, may operate any barber shop unless such person has been licensed as a registered barber for not less than two years.