Tighter regulations are set to be imposed on tattoo artists and cosmetic surgeries in Mole Valley in a bid to minimise risk of infection to customers.

Councillors at Mole Valley District Council will be asked to back the plans at its council meeting on Tuesday, July 10.

As a matter of urgent business, it is being recommended the council adopts the by-laws regulating cosmetic piercing, semi-permanent skin colouring, acupuncture, tattooing, electrolysis and ear piercing within the borough.

Papers to go to the full council meeting state: “It is important that this industry is effectively regulated due to the risks associated with the treatments being offered.

“There is the potential risk of transmission of blood borne viruses (BBV) such as Hepatitis B and C and HIV, as well as other infections, and potential physical damage and bleeding if the treatment is completed incorrectly.

“The recommendations will ensure the greater protection to those undergoing these treatments by ensuring that businesses providing any of the above mentioned treatments operate hygienically and in a manner which will minimise the risk of infection to their customers.”

The Local Government Act 2003 amended the 1982 Act to include body piercing and semi-permanent skin colouring, but earlier by-laws covering acupuncture, tattooing, electrolysis and ear piercing were not updated.

Beauticians and artists offering these services may now be charged £75 to register their premises and £58 for personal registration.

Registration will be a one-off requirement unless they move premises.

Regulations will also extend to those providing the treatment in their homes.

If councillors agree on Tuesday to adopt the by-laws, the council will then need to advertise the changes and submit them to the Secretary of State for Health to be signed off.