Personal treatment
The Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 Part VIII
requires the following types of skin piercing need be registered
with us - Acupuncture, Tattooing, Ear-piercing, Electrolysis.
Licence summary
The Act requires registration to cover both the person carrying
on the practice and the premises used for that purpose. There are
no powers to refuse registration, but the practice is controlled
through compliance with byelaws in each case. If a business
moves premises they will need to reapply. The licence will
remain in force until either the business ceases to exist or
registration is cancelled.
Eligibility criteria
The applicant must ensure that the procedures, equipment and
facilities used are safe, hygienic, prevent the spread of disease
and comply fully with the general duty of care required by the
Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.
Regulation summary
- This registration is separate to any planning permission which
may be required for the use of your premises and any enquiries
regarding planning matters should be made direct to the Development
Control section at the Planning & Regulation Service.
- In the case of jointly owned businesses, details of all
partners must be given and the form signed by each of the
persons.
- In the case of Limited companies the applicant must be the
Company secretary and must show the address of the registered
office.
- It is illegal to conduct ear piercing, tattooing, acupuncture
or electrolysis unless the registration has been formally
approved.
Application evaluation process
Once an application has been made and the fee has been paid, an
inspector will undertake an inspection of the premises. If the
inspector considers the applicants procedures and the premises to
be suitable, then registration will be approved.
The Inspector will also check compliance with the following
bye-law requirement as well as ensuring that general health and
safety requirements are being met. The inspector will be pleased to
offer any advice or give any help if you are unsure as to how to
meet these obligations.
Will tacit consent apply?
No. It is in the public interest that the authority must process
your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard
from the local authority within a reasonable period, please contact
it. You can do this online here if you applied through the UK
Welcomes service or use the contact details below.
Apply for a licence
Telephone or email us for an application form. You should
be able to apply for the following licences online in early
2010:
Application for a licence to carry out acupuncture, tattooing,
piercing and/or electrolysis;
Application to change a tattooists, piercing and electrolysis
licence
Failed application redress
Please contact us (Environmental Health Service) in the first
instance.
Licence holder redress
Please contact us (Environmental Health Service) in the first
instance.
Consumer complaint
We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the
first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the
form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if
you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will
give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.
Trade associations
The British Body
Piercing Association .
Association of Professional
Piercers
Further Information
- Enforcement officers are not expected to assess the treatment
techniques used by cosmetic piercing operators. However,
under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and/or the Local
Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 and new byelaw
provisions, enforcement officers can ensure that certain levels of
hygiene and training exist and that operators are correctly
licensed.
- Enforcement officers will ensure that a suitable working
environment is maintained and that no aspect of business on the
registered premises adversely affects the health of the public or
those employed.
Advice and safe practice for body
piercing