Lawyers have supported Welsh Government plans to bring in mandatory licensing for tattoos, piercings, acupuncture and electrolysis.
“People do not realise the industry is unregulated, and most probably wouldn’t dream of asking about for a practitioner’s credentials. But the fact is anyone can carry out these procedures regardless of their experience or expertise,” said Michael Imperato, Welsh representative for the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers, which campaigns for injured people.
“These treatments can have life-changing implications for the individuals receiving them if they go wrong. People should expect to go into a tattoo studio and come out with a new tattoo, not a blood borne disease or sepsis.”
“Mandatory licenses help reduce the risk by setting out clear criteria that practitioners must adhere to. Customers will know that a licensed practitioner is at least competent and knows how to keep their working environment clean and sanitary,” he continued.
“To get a license, practitioners will also have to be insured. This means that people can rest assured that if they were to be injured during or because of a procedure, they can get the support they need to get their life back on track.”