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Acupuncture, tattooing, semi-permanent skin colouring, cosmetic piercing and electrolysis

The regulation of premises or persons involved in ear piercing, tattooing, acupuncture and electrolysis and to ensure a safe and hygienic operation.


Regulation summary

Visit the Legislation website to view the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982


Application evaluation process 

What information or evidence will I need to provide?

Any information required to progress your application will be requested by the application form and will include:

  • details of the premises
  • details of operators
  • any previous registrations with other local authorities.

However, dependent on the findings of the inspection by us or other authorised person such as nurse or medical practitioner, further information or clarification may be requested prior to granting a licence or registration.

Upon receipt of the completed application and fee, and if the officer is satisfied that they have all the necessary documentation, a certificate of registration will be issued. This should be displayed in a prominent position on the premises where the activities take place.

Then, at some point, the premises should expect a visit from a Health and Safety Officer, to ensure that the conditions specified in the byelaws are met.

Please note: as well as complying with the byelaws, businesses also have a duty to meet the relevant requirements of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and the associated regulations, visit the Legislation website to view the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

Exemptions

Registration is not required when skin piercing is carried out by, or under the supervision of, a person who is registered as a medical practitioner (or, in the case of acupuncture only, a dentist).

The injection of Botox and cosmetic filler implants are not classed as skin-piercing activities under the 1982 Act.

Please note: Botox is a prescription only medicine and can only be administered to a defined patient by a doctor, or by a nurse under the supervision of a doctor.

Hair removal by the use of Class 3B and 4 lasers and/or intense pulsed light sources require registration with the Care Quality Commission.

Advice to the Public

If you're unsure if an operator offering skin piercing and other specials treatments is registered, you can request to see their registration certificate which should be on display, or contact the Council to see if they are included on their register.

What are the conditions of the Licence?

Registration depends on compliance with Telford & Wrekin Council's local byelaws for the regulation of acupuncture, tattooing, ear piercing and electrolysis. Conditions require, amongst other things:

  • cleanliness of the premises
  • sterility of equipment such as needles etc.
  • hygiene of the piercer.

How much does it cost?

Please view our table of costs

What information or evidence will I need to provide?

Any information required to progress your application will be requested by the relevant application form itself and include details of the premises, detail of operators, any previous registrations with other local authorities. However, dependent on the findings of the inspection by us or other authorised person such as nurse or medical practitioner, further information or clarification may be requested prior to granting a licence or registration.

Are there/inspections or assessments?

An officer will inspect the premises to establish if the requisite standards are being met.


Redress

View our complaints policy and procedure to complain about a refusal to register an operator or premises


Public registers or databases

Contact the Health Protection team to find out who is registered for acupuncture, piercing, tattooing and electrolysis


Trade associations

Last updated: 23/08/2023 14:59

  1. Introduction
  2. Eligibility
  3. How do I apply?
  4. Costs
  5. Contact