Registration
If you want to operate a business for tattooing, acupuncture, ear and cosmetic piercing, electrolysis, skin colouring, micro-needling, micro-blading, microdermabrasion, dry needling or any micro pigmentation the operator and the premises must be registered with Watford Borough Council.
How to apply
You can apply for the relevant licence using one of the links below:
- Application for a licence to carry out acupuncture, tattooing, piercing and/or electrolysis
- Application to change a tattooists, piercing and electrolysis licence
Guidelines and byelaws
Applicants must comply with the Watford Borough Council bye-laws (PDF 142kB) made under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982.
You also need to have regard to the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) Tattooing and Body Piercing Toolkit.
Fees
| Current Fee | Fee from 1st January 2025 |
|---|---|
|
Premises registration - £194.00 |
Premises registration - £245.00 |
|
Operator registration - £83.00 |
Operator registration - £83 |
| Variation that requires a visit - £70.00 | |
| Variation that doesn't require a visit - £25.00 | |
Processing and timescales
An officer will inspect the premises, to ensure it complies with all the hygiene, health and safety regulations and to ensure the applicant is qualified and competent.
If the inspection is satisfactory, the registration will be issued within 28 days of receipt of the application.
