A TATTOO artist caught unlawfully working from home has been banned indefinitely.
He was issued with the prohibition notice by the borough council after they entered his Great Sutton home under a warrant.
Environmental Protection (EP) officers, acting on an anonymous tip-off, said the man's knowledge of infection control was 'insufficient'.
Neither the exact premises or the man's identity have been released. If he breaches the ban, he could be jailed or fined up to £20,000.
Under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982, all skin-piercing operators must be registered with their local authority, and comply with its byelaws.
This is to prevent risk of transmission of serious blood-bourne viruses such as HIV and Hepatitis B and C. Helen Stott, EP unit team leader, says in a report: 'We received an anonymous complaint indicating that tattooing was being undertaken in domestic premises in Great Sutton.
'After applying for a warrant to enter the premises, officers visited to investigate.
'The occupier admitted to carrying on the practice of tattooing without being registered.
'Although he had sterilisation equipment, we were of the opinion he did not have suitable premises and his knowledge of infection control procedures was insufficient.'
Enforcement responsibility for businesses in houses usually lies with the Health & Safety Executive, but here has been transferred to the council.
Mrs Stott adds: 'A prohibition notice was served under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 on the occupier.
'This prohibits him from carrying on the practice of tattooing at his home address and any other locations.
'It remains in force indefinitely, or until such time as our unit approves an application for registration under the 1982 Act.'
This offence attracts a fine of up to £200.
But if the man breaches the notice and continues trading, he will be subject to, on summary conviction, imprisonment or a fine up to £20,000.
'This is consistent with the gravity of the public health risk.
'We'll be monitoring his compliance and propose that, in the event of a breach, prosecution is seriously considered,' reports Mrs Stott.
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