Tattoo parlors to be regulated

City officials gave preliminary approval June 3 to a brand new ordinance to regulate tattoo parlors in Laguna Beach.

The City Council voted unanimously to add an ordinance to the city code that would set health and safety standards for “body art” facilities and require them to obtain a county health permit, as well as a city business license. The ordinance is required for county regulation and/or inspection of the tattoo establishments. Practitioners will be required to register with the county.

“I think an ordinance might be a good idea for the business — it would keep fly-by-night operators from starting up,” said Stephen Crome, long-time owner of Laguna Tattoo at 656 South Coast Highway. “But I would have to look at the ordinance before I formed an opinion about it.

“I am already registered with the county, so I have no problem with that requirement.”

Established business will have six months to comply with the ordinance requirements, including a local business license, which all Laguna business are supposed to have, City Attorney Philip Kohn said.

“This is primarily directed to new businesses,” Kohn said.

Laguna Tattoo has been in business for 26 years. An application by a new operator to open a tattoo business in Woods Cove was put on hold pending council consideration of a Planning Commission request to consider an ordinance to regulate the establishments. The commission requested the council action after reviewing the application and discovering the lack of oversight.

“A couple of us raised health issues,” Commissioner Anne Johnson said. “Agencies inspect beauty salons and restaurants, but who supervises tattoo parlors, which are particularly attractive to young people, who do not always have the best judgment.”

No certification is required by the state for body piercing, permanent makeup or tattooing.

Crome opposes certification.

“I consider myself an artist,” he said.

Johnson searched the Internet for information about regulations and legislation in other cities and countries governing tattooing.

“Several require foot-operated sinks and trash cans so blood-borne pathogens are not spread around,” Johnson said. “That is the kind of thing I thought should be included.”