New Britain, CT Business Licensing & Operations: Tattoo & Body Modification (2026)

Sec. 14-384 splits licensing into two layers. First, no one may practice tattooing or body piercing in the city without a bloodborne pathogen certificate issued after completing the Health Department's Bloodborne Pathogen and Universal Precaution Seminar, or an equivalent Red Cross or OSHA course; the certificate is valid for one year and must be renewed annually and posted where patrons can see it. Second, no person may operate a tattoo or body-piercing establishment until the department issues a separate establishment license, renewed yearly, with the fee set by the department and the shop meeting the equipment, plan-review, toilet, handwashing and waste-disposal standards spelled out in Sec.

14-383. One operator may hold no more than four temporary tattoo establishment licenses in a calendar year, and a temporary establishment can run no more than 72 consecutive hours at a single event. Under Sec. 14-382, the director of health or an authorized agent inspects every tattoo establishment at least once every three months, can examine client and equipment records on site, and may embargo any item believed linked to illness or infection. Sec. 14-385 requires artists to keep client records, including proof of age, for at least two years, and Sec.

14-389 bars performing body art on anyone under 18 without a parent or guardian's signed, in-person consent and photo ID, and on any client who appears intoxicated or drugged.