What are Approved Premises and Special Procedures?
Under Part 4 of the Public Health (Wales) Act 2017, the premises or vehicle where the following Special Procedure(s) is performed will need to be approved:
- acupuncture – (including dry-needling.)
- body piercing,
- electrolysis, and
- tattooing – (including semi-permanent make-up)
The Approval Certificate will apply to the whole or part of the premises/vehicle where the Special Procedure is carried out. This certificate covers the premises and vehicle only, not the individual performing the procedures. Practitioners will need to apply separately for a Special Procedures Licence. Your Approval Certificate, when issued, will be valid for three years, after which time you will have to apply for a renewal.
The person who should apply for the Approval Certificate should be the person whose name will be on the Approval Certificate. This could be:
- A self-employed practitioner or sole trader,
- The person responsible for the business/vehicle, this could be the legal duty holder.
- The general manager or
- The owner of the business who employs or rents chairs or rooms to licensed practitioners
- The events or convention organiser in the case of a temporary premises approval certificate.
For further guidance refer to the following Welsh Government Update.
I am currently registered with the Local Authority do I still need to apply?
If you are already registered with this Authority for your premises/vehicle to carry out acupuncture, body piercing, electrolysis or tattooing, you will be issued with a transitional licence. This will enable you to operate while you submit your application. It does not mean that you have been licensed/approved.
You must apply for a licence before the 1st March 2025. Unless you apply for this licence, you will not be able to trade after this date.
How do I apply for an Approval Certificate?
To be eligible to apply for an Approval Certificate you must:
- Be 18 years of age or over
- Provide evidence you have completed and hold a Level 2 Award in Infection Prevention and Control for Special Procedures Practitioners (an award that is regulated by Qualifications Wales). Qualification Wales course providers.
- Provide a copy of a UK valid passport or driving licence (If you have none of these documents the following ID cards are considered suitable, a Biometric residence permit, HM Forces ID card, EEA National ID card, Irish Passport Card, Visa or Work permit)
- Provide a plan of the premises/vehicle
- If a vehicle, a recent colour photograph of the vehicle
- Pay the appropriate fee
- Provide a completed application form for an Approval Certificate
What happens when Monmouthshire receives my application?
Licensing will check that your application is complete. If there is anything missing, we will contact you to obtain further information. Failure to provide all the necessary information with your application, will result in your application being rejected (please refer to the checklist on the application form).
When a satisfactory application has been received, an officer will contact you to make an appointment to visit your premises/vehicle. The visit will consider the following:
- your duties as a certificate holder under Part 4 of the Act,
- the mandatory licensing conditions, and
- the implications of non-compliance with the mandatory licensing conditions.
At the end of the visit, the officer will discuss any further actions that may be required before your application can be approved.
If your application is approved, your name and the details of your approval certificate will be published on the National Special Procedures Register.
Can I apply for a temporary approval certificate?
A temporary approval certificate for a maximum period of 7 days is available for events/conventions/festivals.
You must pay the appropriate fee and submit an application form.