South Holland District Council has issued a warning to residents over unregistered skin piercers.
The council is urging anyone who is thinking of getting a tattoo, piercing or having electrolysis to ensure the skin piercer they visit is registered with the district council.
All registered skin piercers must display a certificate of register where they practise and are routinely visited by council environmental health inspectors who monitor their compliance.
This covers a range of standards, including the cleanliness of the premises, equipment and hygiene of the operator.
Coun Malcolm Chandler, portfolio holder for food, health and safety, said: “One of the main reasons for registration is the protection of public health, particularly against the spread of infection.
“We believe that there may be unregistered skin piercers operating in the district and we are keen to make people aware of this.
“We would encourage anyone who suspects that a skin piercer is operating illegally to report this to us.
“If you are considering any of the treatments please ensure you only use a registered operator.”
A list of registered skin piercers can be viewed at www.sholland.gov.uk/article/4188/Skin-Piercing
Coun Chandler added: “If the person you are intending to visit is not on the list ask them to produce their certificate of registration.
“If they can’t, do not use them and report it to us.”
Anyone who becomes aware of a skin piercer in South Holland operating without the relevant registration, or offering to tattoo under 18s should contact the police, call the council on 01775 761161 or email foodhs@sholland.gov.uk
