Mobile tattoo and piercing businesses banned in North Devon
Council adopts policy to protect public health by allowing only fixed premises
Businesses offering tattooing, cosmetic piercing, semi-permanent skin colouring, acupuncture, and electrolysis in North Devon must operate from fixed premises rather than from mobile units, according to a new policy adopted by North Devon Council.
The council's decision came following multiple applications and enquiries from entrepreneurs seeking to establish mobile tattoo parlours and cosmetic piercing services in the area.
Independent legal advice highlighted that legislation on this matter could be interpreted variously, resulting in some regions permitting mobile operations. Nevertheless, North Devon has historically maintained a stricter stance.
North Devon Council's licensing and community safety committee has implemented this "robust" policy, emphasising public health considerations. The invasive nature of skin piercing procedures presents a risk of transmitting blood-borne viruses and other infections if suitable infection prevention measures are not in place.
According to council documents, businesses operating from fixed premises enhance the council's ability to inspect, monitor, and enforce hygiene standards. In contrast, mobile units might struggle to maintain stable standards of cleanliness, hand hygiene, waste management, and other infection control measures.
“Such circumstances may present additional challenges for both practitioners and regulators when seeking to maintain consistent standards of public health protection,” the council added.