Tattoo artists and professionals working in body piercing, semi-permanent make-up, acupuncture and electrolysis will need to sign up to a new Wales-wide mandatory licensing scheme next year.

The Welsh Government is consulting on its proposals for the legislation, and next week Torfaen Council is running a free online workshop to explain the consultation process and answer questions about the new legislation.

Torfaen Council has also become the first local authority in Wales to become an approved training centre for the RSPH Level 2 qualification in Infection Prevention and Control, which all practitioners will need to have before they can apply for a licence.

Robbie Taylor, who owns Evermore Tattoo Collective in Trevethin, took part in a Welsh Government pilot for the qualification. He said: “Infection control training is extremely important because of the knowledge and insight you get that you wouldn’t be taught in any other training course.

“I have been tattooing for a very long time and there is a saying that you will never learn everything in tattooing, and this course highlights that statement. I have learned about skin conditions that would affect the tattooing process, and I have learnt about correct and incorrect disinfection practices which was very insightful.

“Making sure that everyone in the industry is following the same procedures will ensure that infection is kept to a minimum and that standards are high. Customers can feel safe, knowing we are all trained to the same standards.”

Councillor Mandy Owen, executive member for environment, said: “The public need to know they are safe when paying for a service, and making sure every practitioner is trained to the same infection control standard is a great way to ensure this.

“Our Public Protection service is working with practitioners to make sure they are aware of the Welsh Government consultation currently taking place, and how they can get involved, as there are changes which will impact their business practices.

“Sometimes consultations for business can be a bit overwhelming, especially if they haven’t been involved in one before. This is why the team are running an online workshop to help them through the consultation process.

“Businesses can ask any questions they have about the process and have them answered by experts. For example, Dr Sarah Jones, a Senior Environmental Health Advisor, who has been working with Welsh Government on the new legislation and consultation will be explaining the proposals on the night.”

The online session will be running on Wednesday 29 March between 5pm until 7.30pm. If you have not already been contacted by telephone, you can sign up for the session by emailing your name, email address and business details to [email protected].