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Acupuncture, Tattooing, Piercing, and Electrolysis Registration

If you offer acupuncture, tattooing, semi-permanent skin colouring, cosmetic piercing, or electrolysis within the Borough of Antrim and Newtownabbey, you must be registered with Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.

Why do I have to register?

Anyone offering these services, including the premises they work from, within the Borough of Antrim and Newtownabbey, must be registered with the Council under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Northern Ireland) Order 1985. Once registered, you will be issued with a certificate of registration.

Additional Information
A summary of the regulation relating to this licence
Chartered Institute of Environmental Health Website
Health and Safety Executive NI Website
Standard Application for Registration
Byelaws for the regulation of Skin Piercing 2018

Will Tacit Consent Apply?
No, it is in the public interest that the local authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council within a reasonable period, please contact us.

Cost of Registration
There is a cost of £50.00 to register a cosmetic business with us. This includes businesses offering acupuncture, tattooing, semi-permanent skin colouring, cosmetic piercing, or electrolysis. All premises who apply to us must be located within the Borough of Antrim and Newtownabbey.

Download a copy of the Registration Form

Apply Online
Application for a licence to carry out acupuncture, tattooing, piercing and/ or electrolysis from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.

Application to change a licence to carry out acupuncture, tattooing, piercing, and/ or electrolysis from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council 

Failed Application Redress
Please contact Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council in the first instance.
Applicants will be notified within 10 working days of any Council decision in respect of the application.

Consumer Complaint
We would advise that in the event of a complaint, the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form of a Letter (with proof of delivery).
Additional contacts:
Based within the UK: Consumer Direct
Outside the UK: UK European Consumer Centre

Customer Feedback
As part of our efforts to continuously improve the way we deliver services, we value feedback from the public on how well we are doing and what can be done better. If you have any comments, complaints or compliments on any aspect of Council business, please contact us using the details above.