CHILDREN are being tattooed without their parents' knowledge, according to Barnsley Council.
As it's illegal to tattoo anyone under the age of 18, the council has organised a seminar about infection control during piercing and tattooing following recent complaints.
There are currently 41 separate registered skin piercing and tattooing businesses in the borough but also some operating who are not registered.
The seminar will give up-to-date information and knowledge about infection control during piercing and tattooing.
A council spokesman said: "In the past, officers have found varying levels of compliance and knowledge of infection control and hygiene through monitoring and investigations."
The council also wants to inform Barnsley people, through the media and its website, how to have a tattoo or piercing carried out safely by one of the registered businesses in the borough.
The seminar coincides with the launch of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health's Tattooing and Body Piercing Guidance Toolkit. It provides, for the first time, a national standard of guidance which has been lacking in the industry.
Tattoo and body piercing practitioners are invited to the seminar on Wednesday, September 18 at 9.30am to 12.30pm at Longcar Professional Development Centre, Longcar Lane, Barnsley.
Speakers include Dr Alan Beswick, principal scientist, health and safety laboratory, and Dianne Grice, infection control nurse, Public Health England.
