Skin piercing businesses in Charnwood need to register with council

The Council believes around 30 businesses will need to complete a new registration under the updated bylaws.

The updated bylaws protect members of the public from the transmission of bloodborne viruses and other infectious diseases such as hepatitis.

In recent years there has been an increase in the number of businesses wanting to deliver these services in Charnwood.

In particular, there has been a rise in microblading which is a cosmetic tattooing procedure that fills eyebrows with a pigment to make them appear fuller.

The bylaws mean that businesses providing one or more skin piercing treatments are now required to formally register with the Council. Both the premises and any individuals carrying out treatments need to be registered.

The services covered by the bylaws include:

• Acupuncture
• Cosmetic piercing
• Electrolysis
• Semi-permanent skin colouring (microblading)
• Tattooing

Businesses need to display certificates on their premises.

Cllr Shona Rattray, the Council’s lead member for regulatory services, said: “I am pleased we have been able to successfully introduce the updated byelaws which will help to keep members of the public safe.

“Unfortunately, if practices are not followed correctly, it can result in a number of health risks including the transmission of bloodborne diseases.

“The Council is committed to working with businesses to ensure the procedures, equipment, and facilities they use are safe, hygienic, and prevent the spread of disease.

“We are equally committed to enforcing regulations to protect the public and therefore I would strongly encourage those offering skin piercing treatments to register.

“I would also urge residents having these types of treatments done to protect themselves by checking that both the premises and the individual delivering the service are registered and displaying their registration certificate.”

The Council believes around 30 businesses will need to complete a new registration under the updated bylaws.

Businesses are required to check they are complying with the new registration requirements by Friday, November 18.

Trading without registration or breaching the relevant bylaws is a criminal offence and could result in enforcement action including a fine of up to £500. A person’s individual registration or the registration of premises may also be suspended or cancelled.

More information about registering can be found at www.charnwood.gov.uk/skinpiercing