Acupuncture, piercings, tattooing and electrolysis (premises)

If you run an establishment for 'special treatments' in you may require a licence for your premises. There is a fee for the premises and the person.  Conditions will apply to the licence.

Special treatments include: 

• Acupuncture
• Tattooing
• Cosmetic piercing
• Light treatments, eg sunbeds
• Electric treatments, eg electrolysis
• Other special treatments, eg semi-permanent skin colouring, vapour, sauna or other bath treatments

Establishments that perform massage, manicure and light treatments, eg sunbeds, do not need a licence in South Tyneside.

Applications should be made to South Tyneside Council and may be subject to a fee.

Licences may be subject to conditions.

You may also be required to give notice of your application to the local chief constable.

You may also be required to give other notices, including public advertisement.

This licence may be required in addition to a skin piercing, tattooing or acupuncture licence required under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) 1982.

You can also download the special treatment licence application form[word - 93kb] and email it to licensing@southtyneside.gov.uk

Eligibility criteria

Your application may be refused for one of the following reasons:

• The premises are not suitable, don't have safe heating, satisfactory lighting, sanitation, ventilation and don't have adequate fire precautions including firefighting equipment and fire escapes
• There is a likelihood of nuisance being caused in the area
• The person who will manage the premises is not fit and proper
• The people giving the treatments are not suitably qualified
• The safety of equipment is not satisfactory
• There is question as to the safety of the treatment being given
• You have been convicted of particular offences
• You fail to comply with any legal requirements

Application evaluation process

We will take into account any representations made by the chief constable about your application.

Will tacit consent apply if I haven't heard back from you?

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.

You can do this online if you applied through the UK Welcomes service or please contact Commercial Services on 0191 424 7922.

How do I appeal if my application isn't approved?

Please contact South Tyneside Council in the first instance.

If you wish to appeal against a decision you may do so to the local Magistrates' Court.

Appeals must be made within 21 days of the date you received notification of the decision in writing. Magistrates' court decisions can be appealed to the Crown Court.

How do I appeal against the conditions of my licence?

Please contact South Tyneside Council in the first instance.

If you wish to appeal against a decision of the county council or local authority you may do so to the local Magistrates' Court.

Appeals must be made within 21 days of the date you received notification of the decision in writing. Magistrates' court decisions can be appealed to the Crown Court.

Consumer complaints

If you have a complaint, we advise that you contact the trader, preferably in the form 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.

• Personal treatments
• Licensing
• Business