Acupuncture, tattooing, piercing and electrolysis licence

Apply for an acupuncture, tattooing, piercing and electrolysis licence.

Under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 any person who carries out the practice of acupuncture or the business of tattooing, ear piercing or electrolysis must register with the local authority.

In addition, the premises where the skin piercing business operates must also be registered.

The current cost of registration is:

• Premises and one person: £221.76
• Person only, or for each additional person: £101.28
• Premises only: £137.28
• Temporary registration for premises: £84.48 for a short event
• Temporary registration for person only: £63.36 for a short event
• Temporary bulk registration for large events over 50 person £15 per person for short events

Refunds are given only in exceptional circumstances so please check all details and registration requirements before applying including our relevant website pages and links. Any refunds granted are subject to £50 charge deducted from the amount being refunded.

There is no charge to change the Premises name and where a Person Operates. When moving to another location, a new premises registration application must be processed. Please keep your premise and person registration up to date.

Temporary registration of a premises and a person is for short events, for visiting Operators / guest skin piercer from outside Bristol etc.

The Local Government Act 2003 has amended the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 allowing local authorities to register cosmetic piercing (includes body piercing) and semi-permanent skin colouring.

The application form and a copy of the appropriate by-laws for registration can be downloaded.

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 registered with the local authority. In some areas you may need a licence from the local authority.

Eligibility criteria

Applications must include any information required by the local authority.

Regulation summary

A summary of the regulation relating to this licence Go to http://www.opsi.gov.uk/RevisedStatutes/Acts/ukpga/1982/cukpga_19820030_en_1 (opens new window)

Will tacit consent apply?

No. It is in the public interest that the Council must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from the Council within a reasonable period, please contact us. The application period is 31 days.

Apply online

Both your payment and application can be submitted online. Please see the guidance attached in the related documents section for further information.

To apply online:

• go to Apply for a licence to pierce skin Go to http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/piplink?agency_id=558&service_id=16100010001 (opens new window) (gov.uk website)
• download the application form

If you can't open the application form, download Adobe Reader. You'll need to do this from a computer rather than a mobile phone.

Apply by post

Return the completed forms with your cheque (payable to Bristol City Council) to Public Health Services.

pdf Skin piercing application form (108 KB)

Failed application redress

Please contact us in the first instance.

Licence holder redress

 Please contact us in the first instance.

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, if you are located in the UK, the Citizens Advice consumer service will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.

Other redress

Please contact us in the first instance.