If you operate an establishment that provides massage or other special treatments within the London Borough of Ealing, you may require a licence issued by the Council under Schedule II of the London Local Authorities Act 1991.
Special treatments include:
- massage therapies (including aromatherapy and reflexology)
- manicure, pedicure, facials, and nail extensions
- acupuncture and chiropody
- tattooing, micropigmentation, semi-permanent make-up, and microblading
- ear, body, and cosmetic piercing
- sunbeds, laser treatments, and intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments
- vapour, sauna, or other bath treatments
If your treatment is not listed above, it may still require a licence. The full list of licensable treatments is available in the London Special Treatment Group A–Z of Treatments and Therapies.
Providing, offering, or advertising special treatments without a valid licence is an offence and may result in prosecution.
How to apply
To apply for a new licence please complete the Massage and Special Treatment application form and email it to licensingenforcement@ealing.gov.uk with the following documents:
- public Liability Insurance Certificate
- waste Transfer Note
- qualifications for all therapists
- payment receipt
Licensing Officers will conduct a full inspection of the premises prior to granting a new licence. This inspection ensures that the premises are suitable for the intended purpose and comply with the Council’s Standard Conditions.
A copy of your application will be forwarded to the Metropolitan Police and the London Fire Authority. If either authority raises concerns, these will be considered when determining your application.
How to pay
Please pay the application fee online using a credit or debit card.
When making payment, use your business trading name as the payment reference and enter the correct amount as shown below:
New and Renewal Applications: £499
Variation Applications: £93.11
You must retain a copy of your payment receipt and submit it with your application. Failure to provide proof of payment may result in delays or the inability to locate your payment.
Existing licences and renewals
Existing licence holders will receive an email invitation to renew their licence before 31 March each year. If you have not received this email by 1 March, please contact us immediately.
A copy of your renewal application will be forwarded to the Metropolitan Police and the London Fire Authority. If either authority raises concerns, these will be considered when determining your application.
If you wish to amend any details on your licence or add additional treatments or therapists, you must complete a variation application form and email it to licensingenforcement@ealing.gov.uk with your payment receipt and qualification certificates for new therapists where applicable.
Exemptions
Membership of certain professional organisations are exempt from the requirement to obtain a licence. If you are a member of an organisation that is exempt you still need to apply for an exemption letter and provide evidence of your membership.
In common with other London Boroughs, we refer to the London Special Treatment Group’s list of bodies of health practitioners that are exempt. Check the latest list of exempt organisations to see if yours is exempt.
To apply for an exemption letter please complete the application form and email it to licensingenforcement@ealing.gov.uk with proof of membership of your organisation.
Tacit consent
Tacit consent does not apply which means that you must not carry out licensable treatments until the licence has been granted.
Consumer complaints
We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made directly with the trader, preferably in the form of a letter or email (with proof of delivery). If unsuccessful, please contact the Licensing Team.
Regulation summary
London Local Authorities Act 1991 Part II
Contact for further information
Licensing, Regulatory Services, Perceval House, 14-16 Uxbridge Road, Ealing W5 2HL
Telephone: 020 8825 6655
Email: licensing@ealing.gov.uk