Model Byelaws consultation

Overview

There are currently several Byelaws for the regulation of businesses and practitioners who undertake skin piercing practices. Currently, we have different parts of the county following different rules. The Legacy Councils (East Dorset District Council, North Dorset District Council and Purbeck District Council) have Byelaws regulating Ear Piecing, Electrolysis, Tattooing and Acupuncture.

West Dorset District Council and Weymouth and Portland Borough Council however use newer Byelaws based on the Department of Health model, which covers ‘cosmetic piercing’ instead of ‘ear piercing’, and regulations for semi-permanent skin colouring, in addition to controls for Tattooing, Electrolysis and Acupuncture. 

Since the formation of Dorset Council, due to these differences, there is some inconsistency in how we regulate piercing premises. Therefore, we are proposing to adopt the Department of Health model Byelaws for the whole Dorset Council area, to reduce the risk of transmission of blood borne virus infections such as HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C and other infections.

The proposals would also make enforcement across Dorset Council's area consistent too. The adoption of the Byelaws under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 (as amended by the Local Government Act 2003) part VIII 1982 Act would mean that in all Dorset Council areas, any breaches of the Byelaws would carry with it the possibility of criminal prosecution. It would be an offence under Section 16 (2) of the 1982 Act for any person to contravene the proposed byelaws, which upon conviction could result in a fine of up to £1,000. The Court upon conviction would also have the power to cancel any registration under the 1982 Act.

If you would like to respond in a different way (like a paper survey) or would like the proposed Byelaws in a different format, please contact us by email customerservices@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or phone 01305 221000.

You can also find the proposed Byelaws and a paper survey in the 'Related' section at the bottom of the page. 

Please note, any data collected follows Dorset Council's privacy policy.