Tackling under age sales within the tattoo industry

It’s estimated that 20 million Brits have at least one tattoo and each year around 1.5 million pieces of new body art are needled in, creating an industry said to be worth £80 million. [1]

While the trend for tattoos rises, we need to make sure that awareness around body modification legislation also grows – especially after research conducted in Hull reported that a worrying number of youngsters are visiting illegal tattoo parlours, unaware it is against the law for them to be inked before they are 18. [2]

Whether a sign of rebellion, a fashion statement or a way to stand out from the crowd, tattoos are a cool status symbol for some adolescents, therefore the need to implement safe rules and regulations at tattoo parlours has never been more important.

Tattoo artists and studios need to be aware of the importance of safe and legal tattooing to protect themselves as well as the health and welfare of others.

Did you know?

• It is illegal to tattoo a person under the age of 18 years
• The penalty for a first breach is a fine of £50 and for the second or subsequent breach a fine of £1000

How can you protect yourself?

• Ensure you are registered with the council and follow all hygiene bylaws
• Display your certificate of registration on your premises
• Request that all customers display their proof of age which shows they are over the age of 18
• It will stand as a defence if the tattooist is able to show they reasonably believe the person to be over 18
• Be aware of forgery and confirm the identification is an official document which also includes a hologram
• Display in-store deterrents within your establishment that highlight the essentiality of ID. Retailers can purchase posters from Under Age Sales here: www.underagesales.co.uk/tattoospiercing
• Most importantly, ensure your staff are fully trained and are conducting responsible retailing at all times

Under Age Sales has a training programme which can be delivered in a classroom environment, online or in-store and allows you and your staff to gain an award in Preventing Under Age Body Modification. This will help you and your staff retail responsibly and show that you are conducting due diligence. Find out more about our courses on our website: www.underagesales.co.uk/learning

ENDS

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