Make an application
Before you make an application, you should read the byelaws and the relevant areas of the Tattooing and Body Piercing toolkit. Also consider our points of note document which highlights the errors new starters tend to make.
Once you are satisfied you can meet the byelaws, you will need to apply for a personal and/or a premises registration to operate legally. If you are an employee and the business holds a personal registration you can operate under their personal registration. If you are self-employed, you will need to apply for your own personal registration.
A personal registration certificate will only be issued when it is associated with a registered premises. For a new business this normally means both a premises and personal registration/s are required. If you are looking to operate outside our boundary, you will need to contact the relevant local authority.
Application forms
You will need to complete an application if you are a new practioner or premises or if you need to make a variation to your existing registration. Completed forms should be emailed to envhealth@cheltenham.gov.uk or posted to Environmental Health, Cheltenham Borough Council, Municipal Offices, Promeande, Cheltenham GL50 9SA.
- Application for a personal registration - £122.00*
- Application for a premises registration - £122.00*
- Application to vary a personal registration - £57*
- Application to vary a premises registration - £57*
Replace a certificate
You will need to email envhealth@cheltenham.gov.uk with the request and pay the fee of £19.00*.
Pay the application fee
The application fees are non-refundable and will only need to be paid once unless you move premises or wish to update your details.
Planning permission
A registration certificate will not cover the requirements of planning or building regulations. You should gain the relevant permissions when opening a premises.
Guidance and resources
We strongly advise practitioners and owners read the relevant guidance to make sure they can operate safely:
- Toolkit - Tattooing and body piercing guidance
- HSE COSHH SR04 manual cleaning and disinfecting surfaces leaflet
- HSE COSHH SR12 electrolysis, piercing, tattoo and general ventilation leaflet
- HSE indg342 blood borne viruses in the workplace leaflet
- HSE INDG330 selecting protective gloves
- HSE resources on sharps injuries
- World Health Organisation (WHO) handwash poster
Tattooing and piercing
Acupuncture
- The British Acupuncture Council
- Code of Safe Practice for Acupuncture 2016
- The Acupuncture Society
- The British Medical Acupuncture Society
- Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists
Electrolysis
*Fees apply for the 2023/24 financial year and are subject to change each year.