If you run an establishment for 'special treatments' in the Waltham Forest area you may require a licence for your premises.

» See list of exemptions (97KB PDF file)

Under The London Local Authorities Act 1991 all premises (commercial or private address) offering Special Treatments (manicure, massage, waxing, sunbeds, tattooing etc) within the London Borough of Waltham Forest must have the appropriate valid special treatment licence. Special treatments include:

  • Acupuncture
  • Bath treatments
  • Cosmetic piercing
  • Electrical treatments, eg electrolysis
  • Light treatments, eg sunbeds
  • Massage
  • Manicure/pedicure
  • Tattooing
  • Other special treatments, eg semi-permanent skin colouring, vapour, sauna or other bath treatments

» More on Special Treatments types (32KB PDF file)

Applications made to Waltham Forest Council may be subject to a fee.

Licences may be subject to conditions.

Eligibility criteria

Your application may be refused for one of the following reasons:

  • The premises are not suitable, don't have safe heating, satisfactory lighting, sanitation, ventilation and don't have adequate fire precautions including firefighting equipment and fire escapes
  • The person who will manage the premises is not fit and proper
  • The people giving the treatments are not suitably qualified
  • The safety of equipment is not satisfactory
  • There is question as to the safety of the treatment being given
  • You have been convicted of particular offences
  • You fail to comply with any legal requirements

Regulation summary

» See summary of the regulation relating to this licence on the Office of Public Sector Information website.

Application process

When making an application it is the responsibility of the applicant to place a public notice advertising the application in a local newspaper, which is on sale in the locality in which the premises are situated. The notice must be placed within seven days of applying for the licence and within fourteen days of the application being made one copy of that complete newspaper must be sent to this service. The applicant must also place a notice on the premise advertising the application. The notice must be placed in a conspicuous position (usually the window) and clearly visible to persons passing in the street.

When considering an application for the grant of licence, the borough council shall consult with the Commissioner of Police and The London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority and shall have regard to any observations submitted by them. In addition, the Environmental Health services are also consulted. Following an inspection of the premise they will submit their observations regarding the health and safety and hygiene suitability of the premise in relation to the treatments being offered. Once all observations have been received, and assuming there have been no objections to the application, the licence may then be issued.

Will tacit consent apply?

No. It is in the public interest that Waltham Forest Council must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from us within twentyeight working days contact us online if you applied through the UK welcome business website or use the contact details below:

Email licensing@walthamforest.gov.uk
Phone 020 8496 3000

Apply online

Apply for a massage and special treatment licence *available shortly

Tell us about a change to your existing massage and special treatment premises *available shortly

Or alternatively:

All the following forms must be completed when applying for a Licence to carry out special treatments:

The following two forms should be completed in full when applying for a Licence to carry out special treatments for the purpose of providing ear piercing or manicure only

Fees

» See special treatment fees

If your application failed

Please contact Waltham Forest Direct and ask for the licensing team in the first instance.

If you wish to appeal against a decision you may do so to the local Magistrates' Court. Appeals must be made within 21 days of the date you received notification of the decision in writing. Magistrates' court decisions can be appealed to the Crown Court.

Consumer complaint

We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.

Please contact Waltham Forest Direct and ask for the licensing team in the first instance for matters concerning complaints relating to another aspect of the operation such as noise, pollution or public health

Contact us

Licensing Service
Environmental Health & Trading Standards
London Borough of Waltham Forest
Sycamore House
Forest Road
Walthamstow  E17 4JF

Email licensing@walthamforest.gov.uk
Tel 020 8496 3000