Under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, anyone carrying on a business involving any of the following activities must be licensed:
- acupuncture
- cosmetic body piercing
- electrolysis
- tattooing
- microblading
How to apply
Before applying for a licence, please read the guidance advice note (Word, 32kb) on which procedures require licences and which do not, including dermaplaning and dermabrasion.
Complete and return a Skin Piercing and Tattooing application form (Word, 195kb).
Fees
Licence fee: £376
Please include the fee with your completed application form. Cheques made payable to 'North Ayrshire Council'. If your applications is refused, or granted for a shorter period than you applied, the fee will not be refunded or reduced.
What happens next?
Once we have received your application:
- we'll arrange to carry out an inspection on your proposed premises to make sure they meet the required standards
- your application will be advertised on this website to allow members of the public to make objections or representations
- you will have to display a Site Notice at, or near, the Premises.
How long does the licence last?
The licence is valid for 3 years from the date of issue, unless the Committee has decided on a shorter period. The expiry date is stated on the licence.
Does my Licence have Conditions?
Conditions are divided between:
- pre-conditions - standards which you have to meet before the council will grant or renew a licence
- continuing conditions - these apply after the licence has been granted
Please read Skin Piercing and Tattooing Licensing Conditions (Word, 52kb).
Renewing a licence
If you have applied for a renewal before the expiry date, you may continue trading after the expiry date has passed, for as long as it takes for us to deal with your renewal.