Tattoo, piercing, acupuncture and electrolysis

The Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 provides that all types of skin piercing activities are registered with the Council. These include:

• acupuncture
• cosmetic piercing
• electrolysis
• tattooing (permanent)
• ​semi-permanent skin colouring

The Act requires registration to cover both the person carrying on the practice and the premises to be used for that purpose.

It is illegal to conduct any of the above activities unless the registration has been formally approved.

You will need to ensure that your procedures, equipment and facilities are:

• safe
• hygienic
• prevent the spread of disease
• comply fully with the duty of care required by the Health and Safety at Work Etc. Act 1974

Please see our application forms available for download.

 Once completed please return to healthandsafety@wakefield.gov.uk;

• premises registration form
• personal application form
• amended personal application form 

The cost of a Premises Application and 1 Personal Application is a total of £200.

The cost of an individual Personal Application is £175.

The cost of an Amended Application that is moving to an existing registered premises is £46.

After we get your documents and payment, we will call you within 10 working days to set up an inspection.

PLEASE NOTE: Our fees for 2025 / 26 financial year have been reviewed. These new fees will be in place from 1 April 2025. 

It is now required that:

• each premises must have its own registration
• each practitioner must have their own registration

Considering your application

The Council has no powers to refuse a registration. However the practice is controlled through compliance with the tattooing and acupuncture model bye-laws​.

Once registered, you will be subject to inspection from our Environmental Health Service.

Duration of the Licence

Once registered, your licence will be valid indefinitely.

Consumer Complaint

We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you. This should preferably be in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked the Citizens Advice Bureau website will give you advice.