Date issued: 21 September
A beautician who failed to complete the registration process to carry out semi-permanent skin colouring has been given a conditional discharge, following a successful prosecution by Colchester Borough Council.
Chelmsford magistrates heard yesterday (20 September 2018) how Leigh Ellison (25), of Fairfax Road, Colchester, had continued to carry out the practice of semi-permanent make up – a type of tattoo that fades over time – without being registered under The Local Government (Miscellaneous) Act 1982 Section 15 1AA.
The court was told how, on 16 February 2018, Ms Ellison had applied to Colchester Council for a licence to carry out the business of semi-permanent skin colouring at The Lexden Retreat, Church Lane, Lexden, but had subsequently failed to complete the £170 payment in spite of several reminders.
Further investigations by Colchester Council’s environmental protection team found Ellison was carrying out semi-permanent skin colouring at the Lexden Retreat and had done so previously at Aspects of Beauty in Colchester. She had also offered the service at two premises outside of the Borough.
It is illegal to carry out semi-permanent skin colouring without being registered. Applicants need to register both themselves and the premises that they work from before offering the procedure, which typically costs £300. Subject to a satisfactory inspection, a certificate of registration will be granted.
Having considered the relevant offences committed, proceedings were begun against Ellison for public health and safety breaches.
Pleading guilty, magistrates handed Ellison a conditional discharge and ordered her to pay the council’s £860 costs – agreeing that it was in the public interest for the case to be heard.
Councillor Tina Bourne, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Housing, said: “We work hard to ensure personal beauty practitioners comply with the regulations, to ensure hygiene practices pose no serious risks to their clients.
“Many people will naturally assume the person providing a service will be legal, registered and able to meet the required standards.
“It is because of that assumption that we need to ensure standards are met, so that we can protect the public from those practitioners who put people’s health – and businesses – at risk.”
Page last reviewed: 21 September 2018