East Brunswick, NJ Business Licensing & Operations: Tattoo & Body Modification (2026)

Chapter 122 was adopted by the Township Council on 5-12-2025 as Ord. No. 25-19 and takes effect 20 days after final passage, adoption and publication. Section 122-1 adopts the state body art regulations at N.J.A.C. 8:27-1 et seq. as the standard for all businesses that offer tattooing, permanent cosmetics and body piercing to the public, with the exception of a physician authorized by the State Board of Medical Examiners.

Licensing is covered by § 122-3. Operating without a current license issued by the Health Department of the Township of East Brunswick is unlawful, and an establishment running on an expired license counts as unlicensed. The application goes to the Township Clerk on Township forms and must list the applicant's name, address and contact information, the establishment address, the names of all body art technicians employed or contracted, proof of compliance with N.J.A.C. 8:27-1 et seq. including training and certification, a detailed description of the procedures offered, and proof of general liability insurance as required by the Township. Incomplete applications are not accepted.

Before any license issues, the Township Health Officer or designee inspects the establishment for compliance with health, safety and sanitation standards. A license is valid for one year, renewal applications must be filed at least 30 days before expiration, renewal depends on a successful inspection and proof of continued compliance, and licenses are not transferrable.

Operating rules sit in § 122-4. Establishments must operate between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. unless the Township grants a variance. No person under 18 can receive a tattoo or body piercing unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and written consent is obtained, as required by N.J.A.C. 8:27-2.6, and the parent or guardian must present proper identification before the procedure. Under § 122-5 the Township Health Official or designee can inspect at any time, and the Township can revoke or suspend a license after proper notice and a hearing.