Registering skin piercing activities

If you want to run a tattooing, piercing, electrolysis, skin colouring or acupuncture business in North Devon, you must be personally registered with us. The premises where you carry out your practice must also be registered.

Please note the council does not currently register or licence any other skin treatments. We frequently get enquiries in respect of the licensing of massage and nail treatments, which we do not undertake. The Government has proposed a crackdown on unsafe cosmetic procedures to protect the public. We suggest that you examine the Government website for the latest updates regarding the proposed changes in respect of the licensing of non-surgical procedures, which have yet to become effective.

Mobile Premises

The council has resolved that, for the purposes of Section 15 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982, premises should comprise fixed premises capable of inspection and registration, with any visits to clients forming only an ancillary and occasional part of that registered business. Therefore, registration applications proposing to operate solely from mobile premises will not satisfy the council's interpretation of the statutory requirement for registered premises and will not be accepted.

This policy will be reviewed following implementation of the licensing provisions contained within the Health and Care Act 2022, publication of any national guidance, or any significant legal developments, with the outcome of that review being reported to the Licensing and Community Safety Committee for approval.

Apply for a personal registration (PDF, 465KB)

Apply for a premises registration (PDF, 447KB)

If you prefer, you can apply online to register your skin piercing business.

You will also need to: