Personal treatment licences
Acupuncture, Tattooing, Semi Permanent Tattooing, Skin Piercing and Electrolysis
Businesses which provide the above services are required to:
- register with the Council;
- register their business premises;
- comply with relevant Council byelaws;
- follow relevant health and safety laws.
If a needle or razor breaks a person's skin, either blood, serum or small fragments may stick to the tool being used. These could taint materials or other pieces of equipment. This could then be transferred to the bloodstream of another person and could transmit infection. This is why health and safety laws apply.
Unhygienic skin piercing can transmit viruses including:
- Hepatitis B;
- Hepatitis C;
- HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus).
Skin Piercing Registration
If you intend to work in the City boundary you must register with Liverpool City Council.
For ear piercing, cosmetic piercing, electrolysis, tattooing or semi-permanent skin colouring the registration can be in the name of:
- the business - so that all operators are covered;
- an individual - so only that person is covered.
The registration should be in the name of the person or company whose business provides the service.
Contact the Environmental Health Department if you wish to register. They will arrange for someone to visit you.
Acupuncture Registration
If you intend to carry out acupuncture you must be registered with Liverpool City Council.
- Both the person doing the acupuncture and the premises where it is performed must be registered;
- Businesses which move or change hands must register again;
- Acupuncture and electrolysis performed or supervised by a medical practitioner do not need to be registered;
- Premises will only be registered if they and the rooms used to provide services comply with adopted bye-laws;
- Registration covers the business at that address, although a person covered by a licence may occasionally operate at other premises;
- Acupuncture causes the skin to be pierced. As such this practice is subject to the payment of a one-off fee.
How long does the Registration last?
Registration lasts for as long as the individual registered remains in the district.
Is there a fee for Registration?
Yes there is a fee. It is reviewed each year and rises with inflation. You should contact the Environmental Health and Trading Standards Service for the current rate.
Legislation which covers these activities
- Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982;
- LiverpoolByelaws for Practice of Acupuncture;
- Liverpool Byelaws for Business of ear piercing or electrolysis;
- LiverpoolByelaws for Business of Tattooing;
- Health and Safety at work etc. Act 1974;
- The Local Government Act 2003, Section 120 and Schedule 6.
Contact Details
Correspondence Address Only
Public Protection Division
Municipal Buildings
Dale Street
Liverpool
L2 2DH
Telephone: (0151) 233 3000 (Liverpool Direct)
Fax: (0151) 225 6039
Email: Environmental.health@liverpool.gov.uk