Merthyr tattooist fined for ignoring Stop Notice and continuing to operate illegally

A Merthyr Tydfil tattooist has been fined and ordered to pay costs totalling more than £1,600 after repeatedly failing to comply with legal requirements designed to protect public health.

Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates’ Court heard how Matthew Riste continued to carry out tattooing despite being served with a Stop Notice and receiving repeated advice from Environmental Health Officers.

Welsh Government regulations introduced in 2025 require anyone carrying out special procedures – including tattooing and body piercing – to hold a valid Special Procedures Licence. Practitioners were required to comply with the new licensing scheme by 31 August 2025.

Environmental Health Officers from Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council first visited Electric Funeral Tattoo Studio on Twynyrodyn Road in July 2025. During the visit, Mr Riste was advised both verbally and in writing that he must obtain the appropriate licence before continuing to tattoo clients. Despite this advice, officers later found that tattooing activity was continuing.

When officers revisited the premises on 2 September 2025 and confirmed that no licence application had been made, a Stop Notice was served prohibiting Mr Riste from undertaking any tattooing until the licence had been granted. He was also clearly informed that he must not carry out tattooing anywhere in Wales unless properly licensed.

However, during a further inspection on 22 October 2025, officers found Mr Riste actively tattooing a client in breach of the Stop Notice, and officers detained his tattooing equipment.

These regulations are in place to protect consumers, and it is essential that businesses are compliant. Our Environmental Health Officers are there to offer advice and guidance, however when this is repeatedly ignored, we must take action to ensure our residents are safe.

The court was told that despite receiving advice and guidance on how to apply for the appropriate Special Procedures Licence, Mr Riste continued to ignore the mandatory legal requirements. He was subsequently prosecuted for breaching the Stop Notice, with the court recognising the seriousness of repeatedly failing to comply with enforcement action intended to protect public safety.

Electric Funeral Tattoo Studio has subsequently obtained the relevant licence.  

To check the registration status of premises/persons undertaking procedures visit specialprocedures.co.uk