Massage/special treatment licences
Special treatments include:
- acupuncture
- cosmetic piercing
- electrolysis
- light or electric treatments
- massage
- manicure
- tattooing
- vapour, sauna or other baths.
and other treatments of a like kind.
The London Local Authorities Act 1991 states that special treatments may only be offered commercially at establishments licensed by the council.
Before licensing the premises where the treatment is to be provided, the council checks the suitability of the premises, the applicant, the practitioners and the treatments.
The applicant must advertise the application on a notice displayed at the premises for a period of 28 days, and if massage or sauna is to be offered, in the local press, before a licence can be granted. The police, fire authority and local residents and businesses have the right to object to an application on grounds specified in the Act, but the commercial need for an establishment is not a factor that the council can take into account.
If there are objections, the application is determined by a panel of elected councillors.
Licences are not permanent.. If a renewal application is submitted before the date of expiry, the old licence is deemed to continue in force until the application is determined. If a licence is allowed to expire, it will then be necessary to apply for a new licence, at a higher fee.
Download a Special Treatment Licence application pack
(PDF 157KB) including forms, fees, Barnet’s regulations for Special Treatment establishments and information about exemptions for therapeutic treatments offered by certain medically qualified individuals or those who are members of a body of health practitioners that meets certain legal requirements. . It is not possible to submit an application on-line.
Professional bodies that meet the necessary conditions, can apply for an exemption for their members.
Download an exemption application form (PDF 62 KB).
Right of appeal
You can appeal against a licence refusal or any conditions to which a licence is subject through a magistrates' court.
Further information
To ask for an application pack to be sent to you, for further information about applying for a licence or to make a complaint about an establishment, contact Environmental Health:
Tel: 020 8359 7995
Fax: 0870 889 6793
E-mail: healthandsafety@barnet.gov.uk
Environmental Health deals with some of the licences that may be issued by Barnet Council. We can provide information and advice about applications, fees, how to apply, whether a licence is needed and how to advertise an application. We can:
- provide application forms and printed advice.
- provide information about existing licences and current applications.
- receive representations either in favour of or against a licence application.
- respond to complaints about licensed premises or businesses trading without a licence.
