skip through navigation (Access Key = S ) Jump to Accessibility Information (Access Key = 0 ) Jump to Home Page (Access Key = 1 ) Jump to News (Access Key = 2 ) Jump to Site Map (Access Key = 3 ) Jump to Search Box (Access Key = 4 ) Jump to Frequently Asked Questions (Access Key = 5 ) Jump to Help Page (Access Key = 6 ) Jump to Complaints (Access Key = 7 ) Jump to Terms and Conditions (Access Key = 8 ) Jump to Feedback Form (Access Key = 9 ) Jump to content (Access Key = N ) Jump to Business and Advice (Access Key = B ) Jump to Leisure and Culture (Access Key = C ) Jump to Council and Community Diary (Access Key = M ) Jump to Environment and Planning (Access Key = V ) Jump to Community and Learning (Access Key = G ) Jump to Do It Online (Access Key = O ) Jump to Children and Young People (Access Key = P ) Jump to A to Z Services (Access Key = T ) Jump to Your Council (Access Key = Y ) Jump to A too Z site Index (Access Key = Z ) jump to Read Speaker functionality (Access Key = L) Jump to Printer Friendly Version (Access Key = F) Jump to Text Only (Access Key = J) Jump to Change Contrast (Access Key = K)
Special treatment licence (personal)
Licence summary If you run an establishment for 'special treatments' in you may require a licence.

Special treatments include:
  • acupuncture
  • tattooing
  • cosmetic piercing
  • electric treatments, eg electrolysis
  • other special treatments, eg semi-permanent skin colouring
Applications should be made to your local authority or county council and may be subject to a fee.
Eligibility criteria You must provide any requested information in your application.

You may be refused a licence if:

  • you are under 21 years of age
  • you have been convicted of an offence under specified acts or you are deemed unsuitable
  • the premises you intend to use are unsuitable
  • you don't have staff with adequate professional or technical experience
  • your establishment is being carried out in contravention of any local act or bylaw
Regulation summary A downloadable summary of the regulation relating to this licence (Pdf 1mb)

Application Evaluation Process

 The county council or local authority will take into account any representations made by the chief constable regarding your application.
Will Tacit Consent Apply? No. It is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from the local authority within a reasonable period, please contact it. You can do this online if you applied through the UK Welcomes service (external website) or use the contact details below.
Apply online

 Apply for a special treatment licence (external website)

Please contact your local authority in the first instance.
Failed application redress

 If you wish to appeal against a decision of the county council or local authority you may do so to the local Magistrates' Court.

Please contact your local authority in the first instance.
Licence holder redress

 If you wish to appeal against a decision of the county council or local authority you may do so to the local Magistrates' Court.
Consumer complaint

 We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct (external website) will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre (external website)
Other redress

 E.g. about noise, pollution, etc. Also should one licence holder complain about another
Trade Associations

 British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC) (external website)
Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT) (external website)
British Association of Skin Camouflage (external website)
Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists (SCP) (external website)