A warning has been issued by Barnsley Council about the dangers of the emerging trend of 'tattoo parties'.
Regulatory services officers say tattooists who visit peoples houses at so-called tattoo parties may be exposing people to greater risks of injury or infection, including life-threatening hepatitis.
A spokesman said: "Being tattooed in your own home can increase the risk of infection and if done in someone else’s home can increase the risk still further. Add a few friends, their pets, children, alcoholic drinks, and an unregulated tattooist and you are asking for trouble."
Tattooist shops must be registered with the council and the standards of hygiene and safety are checked and monitored by health and safety officers.
Coun Roy Miller added: "Barnsley is the cheapest place in the region to register to become a tattooist or skin piercer so there is no reason for tattoo artists to be unregistered unless they know that they cannot comply with the hygiene and safety requirements."
