Skin piercing businesses will not be allowed to operate from mobile units in North Devon, the council has ruled.
North Devon Council adopted the formal policy after receiving applications and enquiries from firms wanting to offer tattooing, cosmetic piercing, semi-permanent skin colouring, acupuncture and electrolysis from mobile premises rather than fixed ones.
Independent legal advice to the council said legislation around the subject could be interpreted in different ways. That has led some other authorities to allow mobile premises, although North Devon has historically taken a stricter approach.
The licensing and community safety committee has now agreed a "robust" policy of allowing only fixed premises capable of inspection and registration.
The decision reflects wider public health considerations. Skin piercing procedures are invasive treatments capable of transmitting blood-borne viruses and other infections where appropriate infection prevention and control measures are not maintained.
Council documents said the ability to inspect, monitor and enforce hygiene standards is enhanced where businesses operate from fixed premises designed for that purpose.
Where treatments are undertaken away from registered premises, practitioners have reduced control over the treatment environment, including cleanliness, hand hygiene facilities, waste management arrangements and other infection prevention and control measures.
"Such circumstances may present additional challenges for both practitioners and regulators when seeking to maintain consistent standards of public health protection."
North Devon Council Bans Mobile Tattoo and Piercing Units