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Aims of the strategy
Changes to the ‘already existing’ skin piercing bylaws to cover businesses from the legacy council areas of North Dorset District Council and East Dorset District Council.
Background to the proposal
In 2009 new ‘model’ byelaws were introduced which extended the control the skin piercing activities of acupuncture, tattooing, ear piercing electrolysis to include semi-permanent skin colouring and cosmetic piercing.
These byelaws were adopted by the legacy councils of West Dorset District Council, Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, and Purbeck District Council but not by East Dorset District Council nor North Dorset District Council, who are legally operating under the older byelaws. The result of this is that cosmetic piercers and semi-permanent makeup artist are not being controlled in the legacy East Dorset District Council and North Dorset District Council areas.
The aim of the new byelaws is to extend the control of all skin piercing activities to the whole of the Dorset Council area.
These byelaws are needed as skin piercing activities are potentially hazardous activities and improving standards of skin piercing benefits all protected characteristic groups that use these services.
Intelligence and Communication
Data, information, evidence and research used and how it has influenced the decision-making process
A meeting was held with Food Safety and Port Health colleagues who carry out skin piercing visits in the Dorset Council area to discuss potential impacts of these byelaw changes on businesses and their employees. This was to determine if they felt these businesses had staff with any protected characteristics, and whether these characteristics would be adversely impacted by the changes.
All evidence is anecdotal.
Engagement or consultation that has taken place as part of this EqIA
None as the number of businesses is very small and we do not become aware of them unless they register
An Eqia is not required because the adoption of these byelaws will ensure consistent standards across all skin piercing businesses within the Dorset Council area. The council is not responsible for who uses these services but for ensuring that any skin piercing activities are undertaken in a safe and hygienic manner. We do not anticipate any adverse impacts on businesses already registered as the standards will be applied consistently.
Who has agreed this EqIA?
Name Marc Hortin
Date 24 February 2021
Equality lead Susan Ward-Rice
Date 25 February 2021
Equality and Diversity action group chair Dr David Bonner
Date 26 February 2021