Personal treatment licences

We issue licences for the following types of personal treatment:

Acupuncture
Cosmetic piercing (e.g. ear, body)
Electrolysis
Tattooing
Semi-permanent skin colouring

Skin piercing licence

To offer skin-piercing treatments both the person performing the treatment and the premises must be registered with the local authority.

Applications must include any information required by the local authority.

The current fee is £118.50. A fee must be paid for each registration.

Processing timescale is 28 days from receipt of valid application.

If the application is withdrawn by the applicant after submission a non-returnable minimum charge of £20 will be made to recover administration costs. This will increase to £50 if a site visit has been made.

View a summary of the regulation relating to this licence (opens in a new window)

Will Tacit consent apply?

No. It is in the interest of public health that the authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from the Council within a reasonable period, please contact us.

You can do this online if you applied through the UK Welcomes service (opens in a new window) use the contact details below.

Apply online

Apply for a licence to pierce skin (opens in a new window)

Failed Application redress

Please contact us in the first instance.

Consumer Complaints

We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct (opens in a new window) will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre (opens in a new window).

Massage and Special Treatment

These are premises, which provide a wide variety of treatments, the main ones being sauna, massage and sun beds. The Council does not licence these types of premises. However any premises undertaking any skin piercing activities must be licensed.