Agenda item

 The Board considered a report of the Director of Public Health which gave Members an update on the safety and control of cosmetic treatments.

The Board was advised considerable progress had been made in addressing illegal tattooists i.e. the health and safety team were using new powers which allowed Local Authorities to obtain a court order to intervene where a premises, person or thing presented a risk of contamination or infection. Local authorities, however, had to apply to a magistrate for a court order and demonstrate that a risk to health existed.

It was reported that since January 2013 there had been a significant increase in the number of complaints and information received concerning illegal tattooists, which also included the parents of a child who had been tattooed underage. Many of the tattooists had been advertising their services on the internet. 

The team had also become aware that some local authorities in Wales had been utilising new Public Health powers to enter premises and seize tattooing equipment from illegal tattooists. After consulting with the Welsh Local Authorities, it had been decided to try this approach in Halton.

Furthermore, it was reported that in the last six months the team had executed seven warrants with support from Cheshire Police and seized tattooing equipment from five illegal tattooists. In all cases the tattooists were found to have been operating in unhygienic conditions without adequate facilities for disinfection and other aspects of infection control.  The team would continue to utilise this approach to tackle illegal tattooists and to complement this direct action, a publicity campaign using social media would be launched.

It was reported that in August 2013, the Health and Safety Team with support from Trading Standards had undertook a test purchase operation on nine sunbed operators, using a 16 year old volunteer.  Unfortunately, five of the operators had failed the test purchase and allowed the 16 year old to purchase a sunbed session.  All five of the operators had been formally interviewed and after admitting the offence had been issued with a caution.  They had all given assurances that they were aware of the law and that they would improve their practices to ensure underage persons were prevented from using sunbeds.

        The Board noted that currently 90.3% of Halton premises were broadly compliant with the law in the National Food Hygiene Rating Scheme.  The Board also noted the positive report published by the Weekly News.

The Board noted the emerging issues and priorities in respect of food safety (horsemeat and food authenticity; counterfeit alcohol and DNP in fat burning supplements).

          The following comments arose from the discussion:-

·             Clarity was sought on the new powers provided by the Health Protection (Part 2A Orders) Regulations 2010 on whether they could buy new equipment and set up again.  In response, it was reported that the Part 2A Orders were to protect public health and if individuals contravene the Order they could get a £20,000 fine or 6 months imprisonment.  It was also reported that the equipment was very expensive, which was a punishment in itself.  However, it was highlighted that, with help from the Authority, one of the tattooist had recently set up a legitimate business in premises;

·             The Board noted the various option that were available to the Local Authority to address the issue of counterfeit alcohol;

·             The Chairman reported that LGIU were considering a change in the law which would result in the proceeds of crime being given to a local charity etc.  The cost associated with establishing a Police Proceeds of Crime Unit was noted;

·             The National Food Hygiene Rating Scheme - clarity was sought on whether there had been any improvement in the number of fast food establishments in Runcorn who had received a 0 or 1.  In response, it was reported that this information would be circulated to Members of the Board in the Mersey Ward; and

·             It was noted that individuals providing cosmetic services i.e. botox injections were required to be medically trained or be a nurse working with a qualified GP. It was also noted that this was not a big issue in Halton. However, it was reported that people were coming into Halton to work in the various salons that offered such a service.

RESOLVED: That the report and comments raised be noted.