On March 19, 2001 the City of Worcester's Board of Health, under the authority of M.G.L. Chapter 111, Section 31, adopted Regulations for Body Art Establishments and Body Art Practitioners.
The purpose of these regulations is to protect the public health by regulating and governing the practice of body art in the City of Worcester, MA.
The responsibility for enforcing these regulations and issuance of permits pertaining to the practice of body art is given to the Housing/Health Inspections Division. The inspectors inspect all body art establishments twice yearly to ensure compliance with local Board of Health regulations governing the practices of tattooing and piercing. Inspections emphasize equipment sanitation and sterilization, condition of the physical facility, standards of practice, as well as record-keeping and posting requirements.
The chart below reflects the current fee schedule for the permit types listed. Permit applications and instructions can by downloaded by visiting the Housing/Health Inspections Document Center.
| Permit/Service Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Operate a Body Art Establishment - New/Renewal | $150 |
| Operate a Body Art Establishment - Temporary | $55 |
| Practice Body Art - New/Renewal | $75 |
| Practice Body Art - Temporary | 1 to 15 Days - $40 Over 15 Days - $150 |
