Tattoo parlours can now be rated 'zero stars' for hygiene, under Mansfield council scheme

Local authorities across Nottinghamshire, including Mansfield District Council, which are responsible for licensing businesses that offer tattoos, body piercing and permanent and semi-permanent make-up treatments, are working together on the Nottinghamshire Hygiene Accreditation Scheme.

The aim of the scheme is to improve hygiene and safety standards associated with tattooing and cosmetic piercings, along with any permanent or semi-permanent treatments and procedures that use needles or micro-blades.

The five star rating system operates in a similar way to the national food hygiene scheme for restaurants and shops selling food products. The first scheme of its kind was launched in Wales in 2014.

Businesses that offer the highest rates of hygiene and safety are awarded five stars signifying excellent standards. The lowest rating is zero stars which indicates that urgent improvements are needed.

Cllr Bill Drewett said urged Mansfield studios to sign up as he believed it would help to enhance their business, by increasing consumer confidence.

He said “We take public safety very seriously in Mansfield.

"The hygiene of tattoo and body piercing parlours is particularly pertinent in this respect because the damage that can be done to customers at the hands of poor operators can be horrendous - and permanent.

"The food hygiene star rating scheme has been a huge success in improving standards and we think this scheme will be, too.”

Local businesses are being invited to free half-day seminars to provide further information and answer any questions they may have about the scheme. Places are limited so interested businesses are urged to book early.

One is in Mansfield on Wednesday 16 May at the Civic Centre from 9:30am to 12:30pm. The other is on Monday 14 May in Nottingham at Byron House Police Station in Maid Marian Way, from 1:30pm to 4pm. To book, contact Nottingham City Council’s Safer Business Team at [email protected] or call 0115 876 1494.

The rating scheme has been developed using Chartered Institute of Environmental Health guidance on best practice for the industry, and from feedback provided during consultations with local businesses.

The scheme costs £120 to join and for the initial inspection, and £60 for a re-inspection and re-rating. Businesses that achieve two to five stars are reviewed after 12 months but those that achieve zero or one star are inspected again after six months.

The kind of areas the accreditation covers include:

The state and fabric of the premises

Cleanliness procedures employed by the business.

Cleanliness of staff

The safe use, storage and disposal of needles, inks and equipment.

Sterilisation and cross-contamination prevention measures

Consent forms and record keeping of clients.