Anyone who carries out massage or special treatments in Ealing must be licensed by the council. All licences run for a maximum of 12 months and expire on 31 March. Carrying out these activities without an appropriate licence is an offence.
“Special treatments” include:
- Massage treatments including aromatherapy and reflexology
- Manicure, pedicure, facials and nail extensions
- Acupuncture and chiropody
- Tattooing, micropigmentation, semi permanent tattooing and microblading
- Ear piercing, body piercing and cosmetic piercing
- Sunbeds, laser and intense pulse light (IPL) treatments
- Vapour, sauna or other baths.
In common with other London Boroughs we refer to the London Special Treatment Group’s determination on what activities might be considered licensable. The latest list of licensable activities was last updated in September 2015.
Applications are subject to a fee and the granting of licences is subject to the council's Massage and Special Treatment - Standard Conditions 2021
Applications can be made online or by post by completing and submitting a Massage and Special Treatment Application Form to Licensing, Regulatory services, Perceval House, 14-16 Uxbridge Road, Ealing W5 2HL.
All applications must be accompanied by relevant supporting paperwork including relevant and suitable qualifications for the special treatments to be provided, electrical periodic inspection certificate for all fixed wiring, portable appliance test report (PAT) or invoices for any equipment under one year old, public liability insurance and employer’s liability insurance certificate if applicable and copies of appropriate waste disposal agreements.
Council licensing officers will inspect the premises before granting a new licence and may inspect premises at any time to assess compliance with the council’s Standard Conditions. These inspections may also be undertaken with officers from the London Fire Brigade or Police.
Exemptions
Membership of certain professional organisations entitles exemption from the requirement for a licence. If you are a member of a professional organisation that provides an exemption you still need to tell us which organisation you belong to provide evidence of your membership status. Examples of some of the professional organisations which are exempt from the requirement for a licence are as follows:
- The British Acupuncture & Holistic Medicine Association
- The British Acupuncture Council
- The International Federation of Aroma Therapists
- The International Federation of Reflexologists
- The Shiatsu Society UK.
In common with other London boroughs we refer to the London Special Treatment Group’s list of bodies of health practitioners that might be granted The latest list of such bodies was last updated January 2020.
Tacit consent
Tacit consent does not apply which means that you must not carry out the licensable activities until the appropriate licence is granted.
Existing licences and renewals
Existing licensees will receive an invitation to renew their licence before 31 March each year. If you are an existing licensee and have not received an invitation to renew by 17 March you should contact us immediately.
If you would like to receive a copy of your licence via email please fill in the licence copy request form and email to licensing@ealing.gov.uk.
You can also tell us about a change to your existing massage and special treatment premises online.
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 (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