What are 'special treatments premises'?

These are premises where people receive treatments such as acupressure, acupuncture, aromatherapy, body-piercing, colonic irrigation, massage or ‘massage-like’ treatments, semi-permanent make-up, shiatsu, tattooing, beauty treatments, facials, chiropody, electrolysis, floatation, pedicure, reflexology, sauna, steam room, sunbeds, threading, waxing, manicure, ear-piercing and nose-piercing.

Premises in the London area that offer these types of treatments must be granted a Special Treatments Premises Licence by the local Council. However, for premises outside of the London area, no licence is required, except where the treatment involves a piercing of the skin.

If you intend to undertake activities such as tattooing, electrolysis, acupuncture, ear-piercing or nose-piercing you must obtain a lice/node/16680nce before commencing business.