Anyone carrying out the following types of skin piercing procedures in Wrexham needs to be registered with our Public Protection Service:

  • tattooing
  • cosmetic piercing
  • acupuncture
  • electrolysis
  • semi-permanent skin colouring

Both the person carrying out the procedure and the premises must be registered and have been issued with a registration certificate from us.

It is illegal to conduct tattooing, cosmetic piercing, acupuncture, electrolysis or semi-permanent skin colouring unless the registration has been formally approved (approval will involve a visit to your premises by a Health and Safety Officer).

Registration is governed by the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 Part VIII (as amended).

Safety and hygiene standards

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

Check the legislation: Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (external link)

Local byelaws

We (Wrexham County Borough Council) have adopted the model byelaws for acupuncture, tattooing, semi-permanent skin-colouring, cosmetic piercing and electrolysis.

The byelaws cover:

  • cleanliness of the premises and fittings
  • cleanliness of persons
  • cleaning and sterilisation of instruments, materials and equipment

Skin piercing procedures licence summary

Licence summary

To offer skin-piercing treatments - including tattooing, ear and body piercing, acupuncture and electrolysis - both the person performing the treatment and the premises must have a licence from us (the local authority)

Applications must include any information required by us.
Will tacit consent apply?  No. It is in the public interest that we (the local authority) must process your application before it can be granted. You should contact us (using the contact details below) if you have not heard from us within a reasonable period.
Target completion period 28 calendar days. 
Fees  £120 for a premises, £60 for a practitioner, £30 to make any changes to premises or practitioners registration.
Apply online

GOV.UK: application for a licence to carry out acupuncture, tattooing, piercing and/or electrolysis (external link)

GOV.UK: application to change a tattooists, piercing or electrolysis licence (external link)
Contact

Email: public_protection_service@wrexham.gov.uk
Public Protection Services,  Lambpit Street, Wrexham, LL11 1AR.
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 a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked the Citizens Advice Consumer Service will give you advice if you are located in the UK.

Citizens Advice - contact the consumer helpline (external link)

From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre (external link).

Licence application fees

To apply for a licence that allows you to carry out skin-piercing procedures, or a licence for a premises where these procedures will take place, you’ll need to pay a fee.

The amount you need to pay depends on the type of licence(s) you’re applying for. 

Licence application fees
Licence type Application fee
Premises  £120
Practitioner   £60

There is now a charge of £30 to make any changes to registration certificates for premises or practitioners (including a practitioner moving premises).

How to apply for a licence

To apply for a licence you need to complete the gov.uk application form and pay the application fee(s).

GOV.UK: apply for a licence (external link)

What happens after I have applied?

Once you have submitted an application and paid the fee we will inspect your premises. If the inspection officer considers your procedures, and the premises, to be suitable then registration will be approved.

The officer can give you advice about how to meet the obligations that apply once registration is approved.

Do I need to do anything else after getting a registration certificate?

Yes, you must display a copy of the registration certificate and the relevant byelaws at the registered premises.