'Piercing law almost impossible to enforce'

IT IS ILLEGAL for under-18s to get anything more than their ears pierced in Guernsey – but it is almost impossible to prosecute, according to deputy chief environmental health officer Tony Rowe.

The Tattooing, Piercing, Acupuncture and Electrolysis (Guernsey and Alderney) Law, 2000, states that it is a criminal offence to carry out tattooing or body piercing on anyone under the age of 18.

Only lower-lobe ear piercings can be done under the age of 16 – and that must be with the written consent of a parent.

'While it is illegal, it is very difficult to get a prosecution because the person who was pierced would have to say who did it and often they don't want to get the person in trouble,' said Mr Rowe (pictured).

Health and Social Services registers premises and people offering piercing.

'We have confidence in local businesses that are registered,' said Mr Rowe, but added that it was those that are not that posed the problem.

• Read the full story in the Guernsey Press. See below for subscription details.