Flintshire County Council’s Public Protection Service has recently become the first in North Wales to tackle illegal tattooists under new regulations.
The Council recently obtained a Part 2 A Order from Mold magistrates, under new Health Protection Regulations, which have been introduced to allow significant risks to public health to be dealt with effectively.
The Order allowed officers to enter a home where a person was carrying out illegal tattooing, and seize a significant amount of tattooing equipment and related articles. The person concerned is also now no longer practising as a tattooist.
Tattooists have to register with their local Council under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982. They and their premises have to meet strict hygiene standards and undergo regular inspections.
Illegal, unregistered tattooists pose a risk of clients developing allergic reactions and infections, some of which may be serious, such as HIV, Hepatitis A, B and C.
Councillor Kevin Jones, Cabinet Member for Public Protection, Waste and Recycling, said:
“Anyone thinking of getting a tattoo must check that the tattooist is registered with the Council, as this will ensure that the tattooist has complied with stringent hygiene controls which are in place to protect the customer.”
A list of registered tattooists in Flintshire can be obtained from the Health and Safety section on 01352 703381.
