The proprietor of two tattoo studios in the southern part of the borough has been slapped with a fine of nearly £7,000 following prosecution at Croydon Magistrates Court for failing to comply with licensing requirements.
The council’s licensing team initiated the prosecution against the proprietor of Tales of Inkspiration for running two unlicensed tattoo studios.
Ensuring the safety and legality of businesses falls under the jurisdiction of the licensing team.
Terry Brown, aged 41, the owner of two unlicensed tattoo studios operating under the name Tales of Inkspiration, located on Shirley Road and Godstone Road respectively, faced successful prosecution by the council. Tales of Inkspiration is listed as a member of Purley BID, a business improvement district.
According to a statement from Croydon Council, “Brown had been operating Tales of Inkspiration without a special treatments licence at either premises. It is a legal requirement to hold a licence to give tattoos in Croydon.”
“This is to ensure that the operator provides proper sterilisation of tattoo equipment between customers, that tattooists are suitably trained and that the premises are cleaned to a safe and hygienic standard,” the council emphasized.
Brown was found guilty at Croydon Magistrates Court on four charges: two counts of failing to license a special treatment premises and two counts of failing to provide details of ownership for the two premises.
The magistrates imposed fines totaling £2,000, a victim surcharge of £800, and awarded costs of £3,949.80 against Brown – totaling a penalty of £6,749.80.
“We cannot tolerate irresponsible and potentially dangerous trading,” stated Jason Perry, small business owner and part-time Mayor of Croydon.
Tales of Inkspiration appears to still be in operation. The council’s statement did not clarify whether Brown has since obtained all necessary approvals and licences.