Each premise is subject to an annual inspection to ensure that conditions at those premises meet hygiene and health and safety requirements. The Nottinghamshire Police are notified of all new licence applications where body massage takes place.

Besides the requirement of premises for special treatment to be licensed, the practioner who provides the treatment also has to be registered with the Council. Treatments are given by persons who are approved by the Council. The Council will only approve people that are appropriately qualified and experienced. Checks are also made to ensure that every qualification certificate received is authentic and checks are also made for any previous criminal convictions against the licence applicant.

It is an offence for any person to administer or advertise the availability of a special treatment without a licence unless there is an exemption in force. Any person found guilty of an offence may be liable on summary conviction to a fine of up to £2,500.00

Which massage or special treatments activities are licensable or require a registration?

By following the link below you can download a list of the activities that are licensable or require a registration.

Select to download list of massage or special treatments activities

How to apply

To apply for a Massage or Special Treatment Licence or to apply for a tanning only licence, you must complete and return the appropriate application form with the fee to the council offices.

For Massage and Special Treatment Licence you will need to also provide.

• photographs of all practioners (signed and dated) that carry out the licensable activities
• original certificates for all practioners that are carring out the licensable activities

Both application forms can be obtained from the links below:

Massage or Special Treatment Licence Application

Select to download a PDF STL application form 

Tanning only Licence Application

Select to download a PDF Tanning application form  

Or, both application forms can be obtained from the licensing section of Ashfield District Council.

What happens next?

Once your completed application has been received with the appropriate fee, documentation and photographs (for the Massage or Special Treatment Licence) we will evaluate your application. In the case of Massage or Special Treatment Licences a copy of your completed application form will be sent to the Nottinghamshire Police for comments.

Online Application

Will Tacit Consent Apply?

No. It is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from Ashfield District Council within a reasonable period, please contact us. You can do this online if you applied through the UK Welcomes service or use the contact details below.

Apply for a massage or special treatment licence

Tell us about a change to your existing massage or special treatment premises

Apply to renew a massage or special treatment licence

Please contact your local authority in the first instance.

Trade Associations