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If you run an establishment for 'special treatments' in the Redbridge area you may require a licence for your premises. Special treatments include:

  • Bath & vapour treatments
  • Chiropody
  • Electrical treatments
  • Laser treatment
  • Light treatments (infra red, uv tanning)
  • Manicure/pedicure
  • Massage & facials
  • Metamorphic technique
  • Acupuncture
  • Body piercing & beading
  • Cosmetic piercing (ear & nose)
  • Electrolysis
  • Tattooing

Apply online

You can apply for a new licence, change your existing licence, or renew your existing licence by clicking on the relevant link below:

Premises application

Therapists application

Apply by post

You can download the appropriate application pack to apply by post or you can contact us:

If you want to know if a premises is licensed you can do so by searching the online public register.

An annual licence will be required for premises to undertake a range of massage or special treatments. The licences must cover both the person carrying out the treatment and the premises. 

It is illegal to operate or advertise special treatments without first obtaining a licence from the council.

Regulation summary

You can view the summary of the regulation relating to this licence for more information.

Eligibility criteria

If the application is an individual, that person:

  • must not have been refused the grant or renewal of a licence for the premises in question within the last 12 months unless the refusal has been reversed on appeal
  • must not have been convicted of an offence under Part II of the London Local Authorities Act 1991 within a period of 5 years immediately preceding the application
  • must declare any spent or unspent convictions
  • must be deemed by the Authority to be fit and proper persons

If the applicant is a corporate company, that company:

  • must be incorporated in the UK
  • must declare whether persons involved in the company have any spent or unspent convictions
  • must not have been convicted of an offence under Part II of the London Local Authorities Act 1991 within a period of 5 years immediately preceding the application

Any person who has been convicted of any indecent or immoral act, or act of violence, shall not, except with the written consent of the Council, be employed or used in the conduct of the establishment.

Applications are made to your local authority and are subject to a fee. The premises will normally be inspected prior to the grant of any licence.

Application evaluation process

The Local Authority will take into account any representations made by the Metropolitan Police Service and the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority (LFEPA) regarding your application.

Will tacit consent apply?

No. It is in the public interest that RedbridgeCouncil process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from us within 28 working days contact us online if you applied through the UK welcome business website or use the contact details below.

Failed application redress

Please contact us 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.

Licence holder redress

Please contact us in the first instance.

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.

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