Tattooists, Piercing & Electrolysis Registration

View more Licensing information

Opens in a new windowDo I need a Licence?
To run a tattooing, acupuncture, electrolysis or ear piercing business in Surrey Heath, you need a licence from us.

Both the person performing the treatment and the premises must be registered with us.

How to apply
To register a premises, you should complete an application form and send it with the prescribed fee to Surrey Heath Borough Council. You will then be contacted by an Environmental Health Officer who will discuss the matter with you and if necessary arrange to inspect the premises from which you intend to operate.

To register as a practitioner, you will need to complete the Practitioner in Ear Piercing and Electrolysis application form and send it with the registration fee to Surrey Heath Borough Council.

Please see Fees and Charges for details of fees payable.

If you are unsure of anything, please contact the Environmental Health Team using the details on the right.

Application Forms

• Application for Registration of Premises formFile Type: Adobe PDF document, File Size:1,379.48 Kb (202 seconds @ 56K) Opens in a new window
• Application for Registration to be a Practitioner in Ear Piercing & Electrolysis formFile Type: Adobe PDF document, File Size:885.03 Kb (129 seconds @ 56K) Opens in a new window

Remember however, if you are going to run your business from home you may require planning permission and you should check you lease or check with your mortgage lender to see if there are restrictions in your agreements in relation to operating a business from home.

What information/evidence will I need to provide?
You must provide specific information with your application, including details of your premises and any previous convictions for practicing without a licence in this field. You need to include the fee with your application.

Are there inspections/assessments?
On receipt of a completed application an inspection will be carried out at the premises to ensure that the standards maintained are satisfactory and comply with the local byelaws.

What happens next?
How long does it take to make a decision and issue the licence?
There is no statutory period for determining applications, however we aim to determine applications within 28 days.

If I don't hear from you for 4 weeks, can I assume it's been granted ("tacit consent")?
Yes. You will be able to act as though your application is granted if you have not heard from us by the end of this 28 day target completion period.
Registration Certificates are then issued which must be displayed in a conspicuous position in the premises. You must also display a copy of the appropriate bye-laws.

If I'm turned down, how do I appeal?
Firstly, please contact us to see if we can resolve the issue.
If a registration is suspended or cancelled the registration holder may appeal to the county court.

How long does the licence last, and what's the renewal procedure?
You are not required to periodically renew your registration.

How do I tell you about changes of circumstance?
Please contact us using the details on the top right of this page.

Consumer Complaint
If you have a complaint against a trader, we would advise you first to contact the trader - preferably by letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked and you are in the UK, Consumer Direct Opens in a new window will give you advice. If you outside the UK, contact the UK European Consumer Centre Opens in a new window

If you have concerns about a hairdressing or barbering business, please contact us using the details on the top right of this page.

Where can I go for further information?
Trade Associations

• British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC) Opens in a new window
• British Association of Skin Camouflage Opens in a new window
• British Institute and Association of Electrolysis Opens in a new window
• Guild of Professional Beauty Therapists Opens in a new window

Further links to useful information can be found on the right of the page.