Applying for a skin piercing licence
Before offering skin piercing treatments, including tattooing, acupuncture, ear and body piercing, both the person performing the treatment and the premises must be registered with us under Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982.
We do not licence mobile practitioners, we only licence practitioners working from a registered premises.
All licenced practitioners should keep records of ID/age checks, consent forms, health questionnaires and after care instructions.
How do I apply?
Before applying, please use our pre-application checklist to ensure that you have everything in place so that your application can be dealt with as quickly as possible.
You will need a debit or credit card to make a payment.
You should be contacted by us within 14 days of receipt of your application. We would normally let you know our decision on your application within 30 days of receipt, make sure you apply in plenty of time and allow at least two to three weeks for the inspection to be arranged once you submit your application. If nothing is raised during the premises inspection you will be granted permission to open and start taking bookings from clients.
Alternatively, you can request a paper copy from our triage team by phoning 01244 973708.
If your application fails please contact us.
Licence fees updated 1 April 2022
- Tattooist premises - £227
- Cosmetic piercing/electrolysis premises - £184
- Tattooist individual - £150
- Cosmetic piercing/electrolysis individual - £138
No. It is in the public interest that we must process your application before it can be granted. Please contact us if you do not hear from us within a reasonable period.
An apprentice will need a licence if they are tattooing clients. If they are only practising on fake skin then they do not need one. It is the same application form and cost, which can be found on the Gov.UK website.
Once the individual has completed their apprenticeship, if you provide us with evidence of their development and experience we can then issue a full licence. This process will come with a small administration fee.
You don't need to renew your licence, it is a one off payment with no renewals and will stay with the premises/person for as long as the practitioner wishes to use it. If you have a licence with another council and want to start working in Cheshire West you will need to apply for a new one.
If you are moving to a new location that is not already registered for skin piercing, you will need to apply for a new premises licence.
Different treatments do require different licences, but if you intend to carry out piercing and tattooing they can be included in one licence. You will have to pay the higher fee for this.
If you want to change your licence, for example if you already have one for tattooing but would like to offer body piercing as well you will need to change your licence.
Please contact us in the first instance.
Public register or database
Please note: information is correct at time of publication - business names and services are subject to change.
Regulation summary
Consumer complaints
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, further information about making a complaint, can be found on our information for consumers page.
General enquiries
- Email: businessadvicewest@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
- By post: Health and Safety Team, Regulatory Services, Cheshire West and Chester Council, 1st Floor, East Wing, Wyvern House, The Drumber, Winsford, CW7 1AH