An unlicenced mobile tattooist who found his customers via social media has been barred from working by Trafford Council.
An injunction was granted against Michael McCabe to prohibit him from operating in Greater Manchester.
Mr McCabe, 62, of Stream Terrace, Stockport, was advertising on social media and making appointments to visit people in their homes to carry out not only tattooing but also training in skin art, with people using his services believing his business to be properly regulated.
He was previously an owner of Liquid Ink on Regent Road, Altrincham, where he was registered to carry out tattooing between 2009 and 2023.
Trafford Council environmental health officers made several visits to the premises during this period where hygiene issues were identified, including with cleaning and sterilisation of equipment.
During those visits, Mr McCabe was obstructive towards officers following enforcement action being taken, making it very difficult for the Council to work with him to on potential improvements.
The business ceased to operate from the Altrincham address in 2023, meaning Mr McCabe was no longer legally able to carry out tattooing.
In February this year, the Council received a complaint that Mr McCabe was operating as an unregistered tattooist, offering to do the work in people’s homes. Further investigations found that this was the case.
The judge granting the injunction at Manchester County Court said that this was an unusual case, but he was satisfied that there was a risk of harm.
Failure to carry out tattooing under hygiene conditions can result in health complications, including blood-borne illness such as hepatitis and allergic reactions.
