At first glance it does indeed look silly about barbers needing a license. But think about it they handle sharp objects which means potential exposure to blood born disease. They have to touch people which means possible exposure to bacteria, exposure to parasites (lice). They have to know about sanitation, both personal and for their instruments. Some of the cleaning products they use are powerful stuff so they have to know about exposure to harmful chemicals.
I admit 1500 hours does seem a way over the top, especially compared with paramedic training. But most likely some guy got a bad infection from a dirty pair of scissors nicking his neck and demands were made to increase training for barbers. Also what are the continuing ed requirements for each field? Paramedics may have more CEU’s to meet each year.
I wonder how many hours of training is required to wash dishes?