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Licence summary If you run an establishment for ‘special treatments’ in you may require a licence.Special treatments includ

  • acupuncture
  • tattooing
  • cosmetic piercing
  • light treatments, eg sunbeds
  • electric treatments, eg electrolysis
  • other special treatments, eg semi-permanent skin colouring, vapour, sauna or other bath treatments

Applications should be made to your local authority or county council and may be subject to a fee.

You must provide any requested information in your application.

Eligibility criteria 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.You will be given the opportunity to make representations before your application is refused.
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 here
Apply online Apply for a special treatment licence
Failed application redress Please contact your local authority in the first instance.If you wish to appeal against a decision of the county council or local authority you may do so to the local Magistrates’ Court.
Licence holder redress Please contact your local authority in the first instance.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 will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.
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)
Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT)
British Association of Skin Camouflage
Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists (SCP)