If you offer tattooing, semi-permanent skin colouring, cosmetic piercing, acupuncture or electrolysis in Northern Ireland, you must be registered with your local district council.
Apply to register to offer tattooing, piercing, acupuncture and electrolysis
If you work from premises, they must also be registered. Once registered, you will be issued with a certificate of registration.
Eligibility Criteria
You must provide specific information including details of your premises and any previous convictions for practicing without a licence in this field.
From 1st April 2024, a fee of £52.50 will be charged for such registration.
Regulation Summary
Applicants should be aware that it is an offence to carry on the businesses mentioned above unless they are registered with the Council.
Should you be found guilty of such an offence you may be fined up to £1000.
The Council has made bye-laws in relation to the operation of such establishments.
Your premises will be inspected following receipt of your application to ensure compliance with the appropriate bye-laws.
Any breach of the appropriate bye-laws may result in a fine of up to £1000.
Anyone found guilty of the breach of the bye-laws may also have their registration suspended or cancelled by the courts.
Application Evaluation Process
A completed application form must be accompanied by a copy of suitable public liability insurance and the relevant fee.
On receipt of your application you will also be registered with the Environmental Health service for the purposes of Health and Safety and the premises will be inspected to ensure that you comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and the appropriate by-laws.
Once it has been established that your premises complies with health and safety requirements and the by-laws, the persons and premises will be registered.
Register
For a list of premises registered to carry on any of these businesses contact Mid Ulster District Council.
Will Tacit Consent Apply?
No. It is in the public interest that that all equipment and premises to be used in such activities are inspected and found to be suitable and hygienic before you can begin trading to prevent the transfer of, or contamination from, blood-borne, and other, diseases.
If you have not heard from the Council within a reasonable period, please contact us.
Failed Application Redress
Please contact Mid Ulster District Council in the first instance.
The council will serve a notice of its intention to refuse an application for a licence. Representations can be made in writing to the council within 21 days of the date of the notice.
If the council upholds their decision appeals can be made to the local Magistrates court within 21 days of the notice of the decision.
If an application for a temporary licence is refused the applicant can appeal to the local Magistrates court within 21 days of the date of the notice of the decision.
Licence Holder Redress
Please contact Mid Ulster District Council in the first instance. If a registration is suspended or cancelled the registration holder may appeal to the county court.
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 of a letter (with proof of delivery).
-
If that has not worked, 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:
Please contact Mid Ulster District Council in the first instance
Trade Associations: None