A man who once ran a tattoo studio in Altrincham town centre has been banned from carrying out any tattooing work across Greater Manchester.
Michael McCabe, 62, was the long-time owner of Liquid Ink, a tattoo parlour on Regent Road that operated in the town for over a decade, from 2009 until its closure in 2023.
But after shutting down the Altrincham studio, McCabe continued offering tattoos – this time illegally, and without a licence – by advertising his services on social media and carrying out appointments in customers’ homes.
He also offered unlicensed training in tattooing, leading many to believe his business was properly regulated.
Now, Trafford Council has successfully obtained an injunction at Manchester County Court preventing McCabe from operating anywhere in Greater Manchester.
Environmental health officers had previously visited Liquid Ink on multiple occasions, identifying hygiene issues with cleaning and sterilisation of equipment. Trafford Council said that McCabe had been obstructive during enforcement action, making it difficult for them to ensure improvements were made.
Once his Altrincham premises closed in 2023, McCabe was no longer legally allowed to tattoo.
But in February this year, the council received complaints that he was still working as an unregistered tattooist – this time going mobile and visiting people in their homes.
Following an investigation, the court agreed there was a risk to public safety. Tattooing without proper hygiene measures can lead to serious complications, including blood-borne illnesses such as hepatitis and severe allergic reactions.
Helen Gollins, Trafford Council’s Director of Public Health, said: “We are pleased that this injunction has been granted to protect Trafford people from potentially harmful treatments. Anyone thinking about having a tattoo should check their tattooist is registered with their local authority.”
Cllr Rose Thompson, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Communities and Safety, added: “Healthy and independent lives for everyone is a Council priority and this is just one example of how our environmental health colleagues are working hard to keep those seeking tattoos in the borough safe and well.”
