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Skin piercing

Anyone who wishes to carry out:

  • acupuncture,
  • cosmetic piercing,
  • ear piercing,
  • electrolysis or
  • tattooing

must register with the council. Registration is granted in accordance with the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 and the Local Government Act 2003.

Registration consists of two elements: the person and the place where the skin piercing takes place. A fee of £248.85 must be paid to the council. This is a single payment and there is no annual renewal fee.

The legislation does not extend to the practice of the skin piercing techniques listed above by or under the supervision of a person who is registered as a medical practitioner or dentist. Neither does it extend to premises on which these activities are carried on by or under the supervision of such person.

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 about your application within the 10-day target period, please contact the council. You can do this online if you apply through UK welcomes business or by using the contact details below.

Failed application redress

Please contact the council in the first instance, using the details below.

Licence holder redress

Please contact the council in the first instance, using the details below.

Consumer complaint

If you have a complaint about a someone carrying out these procedures, you should first contact the practitioner, preferably in writing. If that does not work and if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice. From outside the UK, contact the UK European Consumer Centre.

Other redress

If there are problems such as noise or pollution or if one licence holder complains about another, please use the contact details below.

Trade associations

For information about health and safety and the inspection of premises, please contact the Food and Safety Team.

For more information contact Environmental Protection by telephone: 01634 333333 or by email: environmental.protection@medway.gov.uk

Write to: Environmental Protection, Medway Council, Gun Wharf, Dock Road, Chatham, Kent ME4 4TR

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