Licence summary
If you wish to carry on any of the practices listed below you must register with the local authority in the area in which you are operating:
- acupuncture
- tattooing
- ear piercing
- electrolysis
If you work from premises, they must also be registered with the Local Authority in which the premises is situated.
Registration is granted in accordance with the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982. 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 practising without a licence in this field.
The legislation does not extend to the practice of acupuncture, business of tattooing, ear piercing or electrolysis 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.
A person who is registered with the local authority to carry on the practice of acupuncture or the business of tattooing, ear piercing or electrolysis at their premises does not contravene the Act merely because they sometimes visit people away from their business premises to perform these services.
Regulation summary
The relevant legislation relating to these licences is The Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982.
A summary of the regulation relating to this licence
Premises will also be required to comply with South Hams District Council's relevant byelaws and conditions.
Acupuncture byelaws
Ear Piercing and Electrolysis byelaws
Tattooing byelaws
Application evaluation process
There is no specific provision in legislation.
Target completion time
Once South Hams District Council have received the completed application and associated supporting documents (if required) from the applicant the target completion time will be 42 days.
Will tacit consent apply?
No. It is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from South Hams District Council within a reasonable period, please contact us. You can do this online if you applied through the UK Welcomes service or use the contact details below.
Apply online
Apply for a licence to pierce skin
Tell us about a change to your existing licence to pierce skin
Apply by post
Alternatively you may contact us for printed application forms and return them to us at the address below with the appropriate fee
Failed application redress
Please contact The Environmental Health Department in the first instance. See contact details below.
Licence holder redress
Please contact The Environmental Health Department in the first instance.
If a registration is suspended or cancelled the registration holder may appeal to the county court.
Fees
Click here to view fees for licence applications.
Contact details
Address
The Environmental Health Department
South Hams District Council
Follaton House
Plymouth Road
Totnes
Devon
TQ9 5NE
Tel: 01803 861234
Fax: 01803 861294
Email: environmental.health@southhams.gov.uk
Consumer complaint
If you have a complaint about a particular site please tell us and we will look into the matter as we seek to ensure that good, safe standards for our visitors are maintained.
If you are not happy with the service the Council has provided with regard to your application, please contact the Licensing Office of the Council in the first instance, and we will try to resolve any concerns you may have.
The Council also has a formal complaints procedure. Please write to the Licensing Office at the contact address above, you may wish to send your letter by recorded delivery.
If your complaint is still not resolved, if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.
For information about health and safety and the inspection of premises, please contact our Environmental Health Office by telephoning 01803 861234 or email licensing@southhams.gov.uk.
