Skin Piercing Licence

Any operator carrying out a process which pierces the skin, along with the premises in which they carry out their business, are required to be registered with the Local Authority.

Premises/operators offering the following procedures will require registration:

• acupuncture
• tattooing
• semi-permanent skin colouring
• cosmetic piercing
• electrolysis

The registration is issued under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 as amended by the Local Government Act 2003, provided premises comply with the Local Authority byelaws. This is not necessary where there is a medical doctor operating in the same premises.

The fee for an initial registration is £110.00, which registers the premises and one operator. Additional operators can be registered at a fee of £58.00 each. Certificates of competence for the persons applying are required to be sent with the application form.

For initial registration, the premises will be inspected to ensure that it complies with the above legislation. Premises will also be inspected at other times in the future.

View a copy of the adopted byelaws.

View summary of the regulation relating to this licence

Apply by post

Download the application form

Apply Online

Apply for a licence to pierce skin

Trade Associations

British Assoc of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC)

British Association of Skin Camouflage

British Institute and Association of Electrolysis

Guild of Professional Beauty Therapists

For further information please contact the Licensing Team on 01789 260211 or by email at licensing@stratford-dc.gov.uk or by fax on 01789 260860.