General information - skin piercing
Under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982, you must register if you carry out certain skin-piercing treatments. Both the practitioner and the premises must be registered.
Treatments that require registration
- Acupuncture
- Cosmetic piercing
- Electrolysis
- Semi-permanent skin colouring
- Tattooing
When you apply, an Environmental Health Officer will inspect your premises to make sure you meet the byelaws. Registration cannot be refused. You must comply with all legal requirements or else your skin piercing operation can be suspended.
Adding new activities or working at a new premises
If you are already registered and want to offer a new licensable activity, you must submit a new application.
If you plan to practise at a different premises, those premises must both:
- notify us in writing
- pay the administration fee to update their Premises Schedule.
Premises must be registered for the specific activities before practitioners can be added.
Premises registrations cannot be varied, but additional licensable activities can be added by submitting a new application and fee. An inspection will take place for any new activities.
Surrendering or moving a premises registration
If a premises no longer carries out skin-piercing activities, the registration must be surrendered in writing.
If a premises moves address, a new premises application is required. Registrations cannot be transferred to another address or person.
Updating practitioners' or proprietors' details
Proprietors must notify us in writing of any changes to their practitioner schedule, including additions or removals. An administration fee applies. Any change of name or address for a practitioner or proprietor must also be provided in writing, with payment of the required fee.
Timescales and fees
- We aim to determine applications within 28 days of receiving a complete and acceptable application.
- All fees are non-refundable.
- Before applying, please check with the premises proprietor that your licensable activity is included in that premises registration.
Applications
For applications on skin piercing, visit our skin piercing licensing page.
Still need help?
Visit our contact us page for further assistance about our popular services and information.