Acupuncture, tattooing, piercing and electrolysis

If you wish to carry out the practice of acupuncture, tattooing, semi-permanent skin colouring, cosmetic piercing or electrolysis in Wirral, then you must register with the council.

You must register both your premises and each operative.

If you move premises you will need to re-register the business.

Medical practitioners may be exempt from registration. If you are unsure whether you need to be registered, please contact Environmental Health at environmentalhealth@wirral.gov.uk

Fees

• registration of a person or premises for acupuncture, electrolysis, and cosmetic piercing (where cosmetic piercing uses a hygienic piercing instrument as defined in the by-laws) £148
• registration of a person or premises for tattooing, semi-permanent skin colouring, and cosmetic piercing  (where cosmetic piercing does not use a hygienic piercing instrument as defined in the by-laws) £207
• initial registration (includes the premises and 1 person) for acupuncture, electrolysis, and cosmetic piercing (where cosmetic piercing uses a hygienic piercing instrument as defined in the by-laws) £235
• initial application (includes the premises and 1 person) for tattooing,  semi-permanent skin colouring, cosmetic piercing (where cosmetic piercing does not use a hygienic piercing instrument as defined in by-laws) £352
• administrative changes to existing registration £36
• addition of further activities to existing registration (person or premises) £123

Please contact us if you need any assistance in applying for the correct license.

Apply

• Apply for a premises registration
• Apply for a personal registration

Return forms to the address provided.

Processing and timescales

An officer will inspect your premises, equipment and operating procedures to ensure they comply with the relevant byelaws and legislation. We aim to deal with applications with 10 days.

Legislation and Byelaws

The Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 as amended by  The local Government Act 2003.

• Wirral Council's Byelaws (PDF)

You may be subject to enforcement action if you do not comply with the necessary legal requirements or byelaw conditions.

Further guidance

• Electrolysis, piercing, tattooing and micro-pigmentation HSE (SR12)
• Tattoo and body piercing guidance toolkit

Report a problem

Report a concern about:

• an application
• an issued licence
• practices at a registered establishment

Report a concern