There are a number of activities that involve the use of needles to pierce the skin.  These activities must be conducted in a manner that is safe and hygienic.  the council is responsible for registering such businesses and inspecting them to ensure that they pose no risk to the public.

The following types of skin piercing activities need to be registered with the council:

• Acupuncture
• Tattooing
• Ear piercing
• Electrolysis

The application form is available to download on the right.

The applicant must ensure that the procedures, equipment and facilities used are safe, hygienic, prevent the spread of disease and comply with the general duty of care required by the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

It is illegal to conduct ear piercing, tattooing, acupuncture or electrolysis unless the registration has been formally approved.

Once an application has been made and a fee has been paid, an inspector will visit the premises.  If the the inspector considers the applicant's procedures and the premises to be suitable, then the registration will be approved.

The inspector will check compliance with the bye-law requirements, as well as ensuring that general health and safety requirements are being met.  The inspector will be pleased to offer advice if you are unsure as to how to meet these obligations.

General

• It is an offence to tattoo any person under the age of 18 years (the Tattooing of Minors Act 1969) regardless of parental consent.
• The health of the client and the suitability of the treatment should be discussed prior to its administration.

Contact us

Public Health Team
Environment & Regulatory Services
Tamworth Borough Council
Marmion House
Lichfield Street
Tamworth
B79 7BZ

Telephone: 01827 709445

Email: environmentalmanagement@tamworth.gov.uk

This page was last updated 1 July 2009