Special treatment licence

Who needs to apply for a Special Treatment Licence

If you operate a business offering certain beauty or therapeutic treatments, you may need a Special treatment Licence. 

You must apply for a Special Treatment Licence if your premises offer treatments such as:

  • massage
  • manicure and pedicure
  • facials
  • nail extensions
  • tattooing
  • body piercing

This is not a complete list. Please refer to our Special treatments list

Licence duration and conditions

  • Licences are valid for up to 12 months.
  • Standard conditions apply to every licence granted
  • In some cases, additional special conditions may apply depending on the nature of the treatments

Before you apply

Ensure that you have all required supporting documents ready. These are listed in Apply for a Special Treatment Licence

Incomplete applications will be rejected and charged an administration fee. If your licence expires and you continue trading, enforcement action may be taken. 

Exemptions

Some practitioners may be exempt from licensing if they belong to recognised professional organisations. However, you must still notify us and provide proof of your membership. 

View a list of practitioners who are exempt. To apply for an exemption from a Special treatments licence, please email licensing@harrow.gov.uk.

The information you provide will be verified within 5 working days and an exemption certificate will be issued.  

Health and safety at work

Even if you’re exempt from licensing, you must comply with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974

For more information on Health and Safety at work please visit www.hse.gov.uk.

Continue a licence application

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