General Information
What is a 'Special Treatment' premises?
A 'Special Treatment' premises is where a person receives acupuncture, cosmetic-piercing, massage, semi-permanent make-up, tattooing, chiropody, electrolysis, pedicure, manicure, reflexology, sauna, steam room and sunbed treatments. It is illegal to operate or advertise for special treatments without first obtaining a licence from the Council.
Licensing of Special Treatments
1. Applications must be made at least 35 days prior to a premises operating, or the licence is due for renewal.
2. Changes in the owner, practitioners or treatments provided in the middle of an existing licence, all require amendment to the licence and approval by the Council.
3. Members of certain professional bodies, may apply to the Council for an exemption.
Fees and Charges
4. A non-refundable fee of is payable. A Special Treatment licence will run from 1 April until 31 March each year
- single treatment - £ 231.00 (2012-13)
- multiple treatment - £ 337.00 (2012-13)
- 1 day licence - £ 60.00
- Variation - £ 68.00
- Transfer - £ 67.00
Consultation
5. The Council must consult the Police and Fire Service about each application received.
Practitioner Competency and Licensee Fitness
6. Treatments are given by persons who are approved by the Council. The Council will only approve people that are appropriately qualified and experienced. Checks are also made to ensure that every qualification certificate received is authentic and checks are made for any previous criminal convictions against the licence applicant.
Penalties
7. It is an offence for any person to administer or advertise the availability of a special treatment without a licence; unless there is an exemption in force. Any person found guilty of an offence may be liable on summary conviction to a fine of up to £2,500.
Further Information
8. Copies of the London Local Authorities Act 1990. Part II can be purchased from the Office of Public Sector Information.
9. For more information or advice please contact the Licensing Team in the Environmental Health Service.