Skin piercing treatments include:
- tattooing
- acupuncture
- electrolysis
- cosmetic piercing
- ear piercing
- semi-permanent skin-colouring
If you run a business involving any of these treatments, you must register with us.
If you offer tattooing, semi-permanent skin colouring, cosmetic piercing, or electrolysis, both the persons undertaking the activity and the premises concerned must be registered with the local council. Once registered, you will be issued with a certificate of registration.
The council has Byelaws (PDF, 91KB) on the standards that must be in place at a premises. Any premises registered will need to comply with the Council Byelaws for piercing establishments.
There is also a good practice guide on piercing from the Institute of Environmental Health that can provide useful information for particular types of piercing.
- Apply Online or download an application and apply by post:
- Regulatory Services - Licensing Fees
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 the target completion period of 28 days, please contact us.
If a registration is suspended or cancelled the registration holder may appeal to the County Court.
If you wish to make a complaint about an operator, please complete the Licensing Complaints Form.