Repeat fines for tattooist trading without licence

Croydon Council has successfully prosecuted a tattooist for the third time for trading without the required licence.

Terry Brown was convicted in his absence at Croydon Magistrates’ Court for not having the required Special Treatments Licence and was ordered to pay £10,373.67.

The action is part of Executive Mayor Jason Perry’s zero-tolerance crackdown on antisocial behaviour that put residents at risk.

At the time of the offences, Mr Brown operated two branches of Tales of Inkspiration on Shirley Road in Croydon and Godstone Road in Purley. Unlicensed activity at the two premises has now ceased.

He was fined £5,400 and ordered to pay costs of £2,973.67 and a victim surcharge of £2,000.

Businesses that provide special treatments, including massage, acupuncture, manicure, tattooing, body piercing, sauna, and light and electrotherapy, are required to hold a Special Treatments Licence under the London Local Authorities Act 1991.

It is an offence to offer or advertise licensable treatments without a licence from the Council.

Licence holders must comply with the conditions of their licence, which cover hygiene, training and safety.

Terry Brown was previously convicted in 2024 for failing to have the required licence and ordered to pay £6,722 for the same premises.

Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon, said:

“Our residents have the right to expect businesses to operate safely and within the law.

“Our licensing team does a great job to make sure businesses operate safely and within the law but we will not hesitate to take action against those who ignore the rules and potentially put residents’ health at risk.”