Skin piercing and tattooing

Application

The Council's Civic Government Appeals Board is the licensing authority for all licence applications including the licensing of skin piercing.

On this page you will find information on:

Licence summary

To offer skin piercing treatments - including tattooing, acupuncture, ear and body piercing - both the person performing the treatment and the premises must be licensed by the Council.

Eligibility criteria

Applications must include any information required by the local authority.

Regulation summary

Summary of the regulation relating to this licence

Payment details

A licence fee is payable:

  • £500.00 for 3 years
  • £100.00 for 6 weeks

Application evaluation process

No provision in legislation.

Will tacit consent apply?

Yes. This means that you will be able to act as though your application is granted if you have not heard from the local authority by the end of the 260 day period permitted for final determination of applications.

Apply for a Skin Piercing Licence

There are two ways of applying:

Failed application redress

If you wish to appeal against a decision you may do so to the local sheriff within 28 days of the decision. The Sheriff can only uphold an appeal if they consider that the licensing authority:

  • erred in law
  • used incorrect material fact when making their decision
  • acted contrary to natural justice
  • didn't exercise their discretion in a reasonable manner

Appeals against a Sheriff's decision can be made to the Court of Session within 28 days of the decision.

Licence holder redress

If you wish to appeal against a decision you may do so to the local Sheriff within 28 days of the decision. The Sheriff can only uphold an appeal if they consider that the licensing authority:

  • erred in law
  • used incorrect material fact when making their decision
  • acted contrary to natural justice
  • did not exercise their discretion in a reasonable manner

Appeals against a Sheriff's decision can be made to the Court of Session within 28 days of the decision.

Consumer complaint

If you wish to appeal against a decision to grant a licence and you are a valid objector, you may do so to the local sheriff within 28 days of the decision. The Sheriff can only uphold an appeal if they consider that the licensing authority:

  • erred in law
  • used incorrect material fact when making their decision
  • acted contrary to natural justice
  • did not exercise their discretion in a reasonable manner

Appeals against a Sheriff's decision can be made to the Court of Session within 28 days of the decision.

Trade associations

British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC) [opens in a new window]
British Association of Skin Camouflage [opens in a new window]
British Institute and Association of Electrolysis [opens in a new window]
Guild of Professional Beauty Therapists [opens in a new window]