Tattoo, piercing and electrolysis licences

Local by-laws state that licences are required for business carrying out ear piercing, electrolysis, acupuncture or tattooing. A licence for the premises will need to be in the name of the person or company whose business provides the service. Each person who carries out skin piercing also needs a personal licence.

Electrolysis or acupuncture under the control of a doctor is exempt.

A licence for the premises will only be issued if they meet the required conditions.

At present the law does not cover other forms of body piercing although it is normally expected that body piercers will carry out ear piercing which is licensed. Also, although there is currently no licensing controls for body piercing, forms of alternative medicine, beauty treatment or massage, such establishments are likely to come within the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act. For more information see our health and safety pages.

These three types of licence will cover the business at that address, although a person covered by a licence may occasionally operate at other premises.

To apply for one of these licences you need to complete the relevant application form on the right and send it to licensing. You need to include a copy of your qualification certificate and the licence fee for each person required to be registered and/or for the premises required to be registered. The fees for this are stated on the application form.