Wales introduces new tattoo licenses in UK first

Wales is the first UK country to implement licensing for tattoos.

The new measure also includes acupuncture, electrolysis, piercings and semi-permanent make-up.

From today (Friday 29 November), practitioners and individuals in charge of businesses where any of these procedures are performed must meet strict safety standards.

The new measures, introduced by the Welsh Government, aim to reduce the hygiene and safety risks of these special procedures, such as bloodborne infections.

There are more than 4,000 practitioners operating in Wales who will need to be licensed, and over 2,000 premises that will require approval under the new mandatory licensing scheme.

Individuals who are currently registered with their local authority will be allowed to continue operating while their applications for a licence or approval certificate is being processed.

Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Keith Reid said: "This new licensing scheme provides important reassurance for anybody thinking about getting acupuncture, electrolysis, a piercing, tattoo or semi-permanent makeup that the practitioner they use is licensed and the premises or vehicle where the procedure is performed has been approved.

"The compulsory licensing scheme ensures that both clients and practitioners are protected, and I am pleased the measures have been widely welcomed by the industry.

"We want to see these special procedures take place hygienically, safely and in appropriate environments and the licensing scheme will provide assurance that the appropriate standards are being met."

Public Health Wales (PHW) has worked with the Welsh Government to introduce the scheme. Samantha Matthews, Head of Nursing for Infection Prevention and Control at PHW, said:

"We welcome the enhanced hygiene standards that licensing will bring.

"The training of practitioners along with inspections of premises will reduce the risks associated with procedures like tattooing, piercing and acupuncture.

"We hope this will not only raise standards and protect health, but also offer reassurance to those undergoing such procedures."

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