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Skin piercing, tattooing and acupuncture licensing
If your business offers skin piercing or tattooing, you need a licence. This covers:
- acupuncture - inserting needles into living tissue for remedial or therapeutic purposes
- cosmetic body piercing - perforating the skin to create a channel for jewellery
- electrolysis - removing body hair using an electrified needle
- tattooing - inserting colouring material into the skin to leave a semi-permanent or permanent mark, including micropigmentation
Related resources
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Skin Piercing Application Form
This document contains an application form for granting or renewing an Orkney Islands Council licence for skin piercing or tattooing. It asks for details of the applicant, business, staff, activities, training, premises, insurance, operating hours, convictions and previous licence applications. Applicants must sign declarations, display a public notice for 21 days where required, and submit the completed form with the fee and supporting documents to the Council’s Legal Services in Kirkwall.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Skin Piercing Guidance Notes
This document contains guidance on applying for an Orkney Islands Council licence to provide skin piercing or tattooing, including acupuncture, cosmetic piercing, electrolysis and micropigmentation. It explains who needs a licence, application forms, fees, supporting documents, premises notices, inspections, processing times and possible objections or appeals. Licence holders must follow conditions, report convictions or important changes, and get consent for major premises changes. Working without a licence or breaking its conditions is a criminal offence.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Skin Piercing Conditions
This document contains the conditions for licences covering skin piercing and tattooing in Orkney. It sets legal requirements for premises, hygiene, sterile equipment, client information, age limits, consent, staff training, insurance, records and safe waste disposal. It also covers extra rules for businesses working mainly from premises or providing services elsewhere, including supervision, equipment checks, identification and displaying or carrying the licence. Failing to follow the conditions is a criminal offence.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Skin Piercing Notice Display
This document contains a site notice template for applications to Orkney Islands Council for a skin piercing or tattooing licence. It gives details of the premises, applicant and manager, and explains how to submit written objections or representations within 28 days. The completed notice must be displayed at or near the premises for 21 days.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Skin Piercing Compliance Certificate
This document contains a compliance notice for applicants seeking a skin piercing or tattooing licence from Orkney Islands Council. It confirms that a site notice was displayed for 21 days, or explains why this was not possible, including any steps taken if the notice was removed or damaged. Applicants must add the relevant dates, premises details, circumstances, signature and position, then return the form to the Head of Legal Services.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.