Wales implements new mandatory rules to safeguard tattoo and piercing clients
Wales has taken a pioneering step in the UK by enforcing mandatory licensing regulations to safeguard the well-being of individuals seeking tattoos, body piercings, and other specialist procedures. Effective from November 29, the operators of establishments or vehicles providing acupuncture, body piercings, electrolysis, tattoos (including semi-permanent make-up) must complete an infection prevention and control course for special procedures. Additionally, their premises and vehicles must adhere to stringent safety standards as part of the new criteria.
The Welsh Government has introduced these new measures to mitigate hygiene and safety risks, such as bloodborne infections, by ensuring that only licensed practitioners conduct procedures in approved premises and vehicles. Over 4,000 practitioners in Wales will need to obtain licenses, with more than 2,000 premises requiring approval under the mandatory licensing scheme. All existing practitioners and businesses, along with new applicants, must apply for a license and/or a premises or vehicle approval certificate from their local council.
Current practitioners registered with their local authority can continue operating while awaiting the processing of their licensing applications. A national register will be established to publish all valid license holders and approval certificate holders in Wales. Keith Reid, the deputy chief medical officer for Wales, highlighted the significance of the licensing scheme in providing assurance to individuals seeking special procedures. It guarantees that both clients and practitioners are safeguarded, promoting the execution of procedures hygienically, safely, and in appropriate environments.
The introduction of the mandatory licensing scheme has received widespread acclaim within the industry. Marie Lowe, the proprietor of Miss Rie’s Tattoo Studio in Newport, welcomed the new regulations as a means of ensuring consistent standards across practitioners in Wales, thus assuring clients of safe and clean procedures. Ffion Haf Hughes, owner of Little Wren Beauty & Aesthetics in Caernarfon, emphasized how the licensing scheme not only enhances industry standards but also instils greater confidence in clients by ensuring safety, professionalism, and high-quality service delivery.
Collaborating with the Welsh Government to implement the scheme, Public Health Wales (PHW) anticipates that the enhanced hygiene standards will significantly mitigate risks associated with procedures like tattooing, piercing, and acupuncture. Samantha Matthews, Head of Nursing for Infection Prevention and Control at PHW, expressed optimism that the training of practitioners and inspections of premises will raise standards, protect health, and offer reassurance to individuals undergoing such procedures.
The new mandatory licensing rules represent a crucial development in the special procedures industry in Wales, marking a proactive move towards ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals seeking tattoos, body piercings, and other specialist services. By establishing stringent criteria for practitioners and premises, the Welsh Government aims to maintain high standards of hygiene, safety, and professionalism within the sector. The licensing scheme not only provides reassurance to clients but also sets a precedent for consistent regulation and enforcement across Wales, ultimately benefiting both practitioners and those seeking special procedures.