Special treatments licence

Introduction

Businesses that offer certain treatments—such as massages, tattooing, laser or IPL procedures—must have a licence to ensure customer safety.

Under the London Local Authorities Act 1991, any business providing 'special treatments' must be licensed unless exempt.

What counts as a special treatment?

Special treatments include, but are not limited to

• massage
• manicure
• acupuncture
• tattooing
• cosmetic piercing
• chiropody
• light treatments
• electric treatments
• other similar treatments, including vapour, sauna or other baths (including infra-red sauna cabin).

Application for a licence covers both the person carrying out the treatment(s) and the premises. There are no provisions under the act to grant personal licences. The applicant must ensure that the procedures, equipment and facilities used are safe and hygienic. This is to prevent the spread of disease and follow the general duty of care as required by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and set conditions.

It is an offence to provide or advertise special treatments without a licence, unless there is an exemption in place.

Who does not need a Special Treatment Licence?

Premises where the special treatments are carried out by, or under the supervision of a medical practitioner registered with the General Medical Council may be exempt and not required to be licensed.

Some treatments do not need licensing if the therapist administering them is a member of an exempt organisation. Exemption only applies to the special treatments in the ‘Treatments’ column next to the organisation.

How to apply for a licence

Applicants must complete the full form and submit required documents, including  the following:

• a passport style photograph for each operator and therapist
• Copies of each Therapists current qualification certificate(s).
• A copy of the current treatment price list
• A customer vetting/history card or able to show a system is in place.
• Public notice in a local newspaper (only required on the first application).
• Proof of payment of Fee

Consultation requirements

All applications must display a public notice for 28 days. New premises must also publish a newspaper notice. The council may receive objections and may refer applications to the Licensing Committee.

Tacit consent

Tacit consent does not apply. A licence is only issued once all documentation, checks, and premises standards are complete.

How to renew a licence?

Licences must be renewed yearly. If the renewal and fee is submitted before expiry, treatments may continue until a decision is made. Please note that if a completed application and proof of payment of the fee is not received before the expiry date of your licence, no licensable treatment can be provided until an application for a new licence has been applied for and a new licence has been issued.

Fee summary

You can make a payment online. The fee can also be paid by card over the phone on 020 7364 6705. 

Application forms

To apply or renew your current licence please download the relevant application form

• New special treatment licence application
• Renewal of special treatment licence application
• Transfer of special treatment licence application

Once completed the application form and required documents can be sent via email to:
Healthand.Safety@towerhamlets.gov.uk

Or posted to:

Food Safety and Health & Safety
Communities Directorate
London Borough of Tower Hamlets
4th Floor Tower Hamlets Town Hall
160 Whitechapel Road
London
E1 1BJ

Where to add new therapists (including new tattoo artists/piercers/other)

Apply online

If you are unable to complete the form electronically contact us on healthand.safety@towerhamlets.gov.uk to obtain a paper copy.

From April 2026, note that we are introducing a fee per application.

Licence condition requirements

The council has adopted standard conditions which will be applied to all licences. These conditions include certain requirements as follows:

Premises

• All surfaces in any part of the premises used by clients must be kept clean and in good repair
• All furniture and fittings in the treatment area must be kept clean and in good repair
• Tables, couches, seats, etc, used in the treatment area must have a smooth surface. It should be wiped down regularly with disinfectant and covered by a disposable paper sheet, changed after each client
• A 'No Smoking' sign must be displayed in a visible location
• A wash hand basin must be provided in every treatment room with an adequate supply of hot and cold water, soap and materials to hygienically dry hand e.g. paper towels.

Cleanliness of practitioners

• Any overall worn by the practitioner should be clean and in good repair
• The practitioner's hands and nails must be kept clean
• Any open cut, wound, sore or boil must be covered by a water-resistant dressing
• The practitioner should not smoke nor drink in the treatment area
• The practitioner should have sole use of the washing facilities which must provide hot and cold running water, soap (or a similar cleanser) and a nail brush

Equipment

• Any needle, metal instrument or other item of equipment used in the treatment must be in a sterile condition and kept sterile until it is used.
• If pre-sterilised items are not used then adequate facilities must be provided for sterilisation.

Health and safety law

Various UK safety regulations apply, including The Health and Safety Act 1974, First Aid, Electricity at Work, Workplace Safety, and COSHH regulations.

Further information

Further information can be found at HSE: Information about health and safety at work