Any person or business carrying out skin piercing activities, as well as the premises in which they carry out the activity, must be registered with the council.
Skin piercing activities include:
- acupuncture
- tattooing
- cosmetic piercing
- electrolysis
- semi-permanent skin colouring
How to apply
You can apply online at the GOV.UK website using the following link:
Alternatively you can email or post your application. Download the application form and return it to Licensing@north-herts.gov.uk or post to:
Licensing Department
North Herts Council
PO Box 10613
Nottingham
NG6 6DW
Application Form
We aim to acknowledge your application within three working days. We will consider your application and arrange to visit your premises.
It is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from us within 35 days, please contact the Licensing team on Licensing@north-herts.gov.uk or use our Contact us page.
Cost
| Licence description | Fees |
|---|---|
| Premises registration | £211.00 |
| Personal registration | £211.00 |
| Combined charge for the registration of a premises and one personal registration | £231.50 |
| Amendments to an existing registration | £48.25 |
| Copy of a registration | £27.00 |
| Full list of licensing fees and charges |
How to pay
If you apply online you will make payment when submitting the application. If you submit your application by email or post you will be required to make payment online:
Change an existing licence
If you make any changes to your business that relate to the licence, including changes to the premises or the people undertaking skin piercing, you need to inform us. These changes can include but are not limited to the following:
- surrendering your licence
- transferring your licence
- existing licence holder's change of name or address
- change of contact details
You can apply to make changes to an existing licence using the below link to GOV.UK website:
Regulation summary
The Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 gives local authorities powers to regulate skin piercing activities. The Council has made byelaws under the Act setting out local requirements.
Applicant/licence holder redress
If you are unhappy about the way that we have dealt with your application, the Council has a formal mechanism for dealing with such issues. Please see Comments, Compliments & Complaints or call our Customer Service Team on 01462 474000.
Consumer complaint
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 of a letter (with proof of delivery). If this does not work or you do not want to contact the trader, please contact us. Where appropriate, you can also obtain advice from Consumer Direct if you are located in the UK or from outside the UK, contact the UK European Consumer Centre.
Useful contacts
- British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC)
- British Association of Skin Camouflage
- British Institute and Association of Electrolysis
- Guild of Professional Beauty Therapist