Conservative Controlled Council Tells Public Only to Use Fully Registered Tattooists

Members of the public planning on getting a tattoo are being urged to think before they ink – and ensure that the studio or artist is properly registered under the Local Government Miscellaneous Provisions Act 1982.

Conservative controlled Tamworth Borough Council’s Environmental Health department is responsible for the inspection and registration of all premises where tattooing, piercing, acupuncture and electrolysis is carried out – and all such studios must be registered before they can operate, to ensure that they are safe, hygienic and comply with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974.

Once the premises has been inspected and approved, the council will issue a Certificate of Registration, which must be prominently displayed.  If a tattooist is not displaying a valid certificate, they are operating illegally and should be reported to Tamworth Borough Council’s Environmental Health department on 01827 709709.

Members of the public are also being warned that it is an offence to tattoo anyone under the age of 18 – even if they have the consent of a parent.

A number of tattoo studios in Tamworth have reported a rise in the number of underage people asking for tattoos – in many cases, bringing a parent along with them.  It is a criminal offence to provide a tattoo for anyone under the age of 18 – regardless of parental consent.  Tamworth Borough Council is urging anyone who is aware of underage tattooing being carried out to report it directly to the police on 101.

Cllr Stephen Doyle, Cabinet member for Environment, said the Environmental Health department regularly visits all tattoo studios in the borough and works with the businesses to ensure the risk to public health is eliminated by good practices, safe environments and competent people carrying out the procedures.

He said, “We take a very strong line on unlicensed tattooists, as safeguarding public health is a top priority for us.  We would encourage anyone planning a tattoo to make sure they go to a reputable, registered tattooist, and to report anyone they know of who is carrying out tattoos without being properly registered.

“We are also keen to stamp out the unlawful tattooing of people under the age of 18, and call on the public to report this to the police.”