New rules set to affect tattooists

2:00pm Thursday 7th August 2008

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A TATTOOISTS and body piercers might have to pay £2,000 to clean up their act, if new regulations are enforced.

In a meeting last month Wyre Forest District Council’s licensing and environmental committee approved new guidance, which will require some tattooists and piercers to buy new cleaning equipment.

The committee has recommended the full council pass the new regulations at a meeting in September.

The new rules state that all businesses must use a vacuum autoclave to sterilise wrapped, hollow, tubular or porous equipment.

Businesses that do not currently own the equipment, which costs about £2,000, will be required to buy it if the rules are enforced.

Premises would also be inspected by council officers, using health and safety powers, to check the equipment has been installed and is suitable for use.

Mandy Barber, owner of True Love Tattoos in Kidderminster, already has the required equipment but warned it costs £400 a year to have it serviced and calibrated.

She added: “Don’t buy it second hand, as it may be cheaper, but it will cost more in the long run.”

The regulations are part of a report produced by the committee to improve hygiene and standards in piercing and tattoo businesses.