Oklahoma Tattoo And Body Piercing
News And Articles...

Stillwater, Oklahoma
09/21/07

Consider safety, care before getting permanent art.

Max Ackermann, a tattoo artist at College Ink on Knoblock Street in Stillwater, says there are many easy steps to follow to make sure you get a good, safe tattoo.

“I think the most important thing a person can do is to do their research,” Ackermann said. “Most tattoo studios have Web sites you can visit, or you can check out the studio before you decided to get tattooed there.”

The main things to look for when deciding on an artist are his or her talent, experience and whether he or she is licensed to give tattoos.

Ackermann says it’s fairly easy to obtain a license so the person should look more at the experience level of the artist and the cleanliness of the studio. The needles and instruments should be sterilized to prevent infection. Ackermann said needles are always single-use and should be packaged.

The aftercare of a tattoo is also important, Ackermann said. If a tattoo is going to look as good in 30 years as it does now, it has to be properly cared for.

But Ackermann’s main advice is to think before getting a tattoo.

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Courtesy of: ocolly.com

Full-time student, full-time tattoo artist.

Joel Martin, 37, an industrial and occupational safety major, is offering UCO students the chance to get 15 percent off his/her next (or first) tattoo at his Oklahoma City shop Eternally Inked.

Martin said that he'd never planned on becoming a professional tattoo artist until his stepfather, Mark Kennedy, asked if he'd ever thought about tattooing for a living. When tattooing became legal in Oklahoma, he sold his Harley-Davidson motorcycle to cover the cost of equipment and the first two months rent at his first shop on SE 15th St.

Martin and his sons, Day and younger brother Tyler "Coolwhip" Rohan, 21, moved the tattoo shop to 36th and N. May in February of this year. Gavi Bernay, one of the shop's artists, earned his position with the team by pleasing Martin when he tattooed part of the shop owner's left sleeve.

Martin will graduate in December and said that he is going to take the first job he can get and let the boys run the shop. He would ideally like for the boys to go on the road to conventions.

Eternally Inked opens at noon weekdays and 10 a.m. on the weekends.

Eternally Inked offers all military and students a 10 percent discount. UCO students receive a 15 percent discount with a student ID. Martin also offers half-price sorority and fraternity Greek symbol tattoos.

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Courtesy of: thevistaonline.com

Permanent Make-Up Vs. Tattoos.

Micropigmentology and tattooing have numerous differences, but they share one trait... the tattoo gun.

Kelly Cassidy, a licensed micropigmentologist, can do eyes, lips, eyeliner, even cheeks and eye shadow. However, she can't go outside the facial lines by law.

Anesthesia is another major difference. Cassidy first numbs the area with local anesthesia, something you'll have to go without at a tattoo shop. Only registered nurses and registered dental hygienists are allowed to give local anesthesia.

"Micropigmentology has to be done at a medical facility, whether it be at a dentist's office, a physician's office, or optometrist's office," says Cassidy.

Permanent make-up is permanent. Cassidy says the sun will cause it to fade and she recommends re-touching the area every three to five years.

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Courtesy of: ksbitv.com

A living canvas.

Sean Phillips opened the only tattoo shop in Mayes County approximately three months ago. Da Vinci Steel is located in Salina in the old Hill Top Cafe at the intersection of Highway 20 and 82.

Phillips is the only person in Mayes County with an artist license so far. In fact, the only other person licensed near Mayes County is a man from Rogers County. Currently, the health department has no one with an artist license in Craig, Cherokee, Ottawa, Washington and Delaware counties.

Tressa Madden, director Consumer Protection with Oklahoma Health Department, said establishments and artists have until July 10, to get their licenses before the challenge period ends.

During the challenge period, an artist can produce their artwork, history, take three courses, pass the test, and pay the fee to become licensed. After the challenge period, if an artist wasn’t licensed in a state which regulates tattoos, then the artist must do an apprenticeship.

The reason Phillips opened a shop is because he enjoys what he does and especially likes oriental art. He also does a lot of Indian art, which he enjoys as well. Some of the most challenging work Phillips encounters is black and gray, especially portraits.

Da Vinci Steel has added another artist on the weekends. Bret Pickup is in the process of getting a license. Phillips said Pickup is very good at black and gray work and has been doing tattoo work for 10 years.

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Courtesy of: pryordailytimes.com

Edmond, Oklahoma
02/06/07

Tattoos leaving their mark on Oklahomans.

"We've probably tattooed half of UCO," said Cameron Heffington, owner and artist of Sub Q tattoo on Memorial and Western. They've been open a little over a year. Heffington said the most popular designs right now are nautical stars and crosses.

"Around here, crosses are big," said Barry Oosterhouse, of Mojo Tattoos on Broadway.

Both tattoo shops work with the Oklahoma State Department of Health. "We only use the finest equipment," said Oosterhouse.

Although a tattoo is generally a permanent decision, there is a way to remove the art. Tattoo removal can often be a painful, pricy procedure. Sub Q Tattoos deals with the tattoo removal process as well.

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Courtesy of: thevistaonline.com

Oklahoma Tattoo Safety

Many Oklahoma tattoo artists are now learning how to protect workers and customers from blood-borne diseases.

Jombus Ink tattoo parlor in Ada say safety and sterilization come first. Jombus Ink opened in Ada in May 2006 and has four specialized tattoo artists. All four artists are first aid, CPR, and blood and air borne pathogen certified.

Artist Steve Littlefield believes the tattoo procedures are like a minor surgical procedure and they do everything in compliance with the health department. He says he feels being certified for health reasons is crutial for an artist.

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Courtesy of: kten.com

Edmond's first tattoo parlor opens.

Less than a month after tattooing became legal in Oklahoma, Edmond's first tattoo parlor is open and already facing controversy. "We've had the building since August and have been trying to open, but the city held us back on permits," said Anthony Padgett, owner of Mojo Tattoo at 811 S Broadway.

"The city of Edmond has not passed any ordinance in regards to the regulation of tattoo parlors. State law is in effect, we're going to rely on the law and the Health Department to govern any issues at this point," Edmond City Attorney Stephen Murdock said.

Artist Louis Hosino, 32, said he's been doing tattoos underground for about 10 years in the Shawnee area, and some of his clients have visited the new shop. He said he's also getting new Edmond clients.

Artist Barry Oosterhouse, 26; Padgett; and his wife, Rhiannon, are the other artists at the shop. There's also room for a fifth artist.

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Courtesy of: newsok.com

Edmond, Oklahoma
11/07/06

City's first tattoo parlor ready to ink.

Anthony and Rhiannon Padgett, owners of Mojo Tattoos, 811 S. Broadway, say it’s about time Oklahoma caught up with the tattooing trend.

Tresa Maddens, director of consumer protection at the Oklahoma State Department of Health, said Monday she had approved 50 people who met the requirements for licensing as artists. As of last Friday, the department had licensed three tattoo business establishments in Oklahoma, with more applications being processed every day.

Under the new law, tattoo artists will have a “challenge period” in which they may practice their art while awaiting licensing. That period ends no later than mid-July, Maddens said. After that, those who operate without a license will be subject to a fine of up to $5,000 per day and 90 days in jail.

With industry standards in place, it’s hard to predict who will be lining up to receive Oklahoma’s first legal tattoos. Artist Louis Hosino agreed. He has created “thousands” of tattoos, he said, including art inside ears and lips and on top of heads, along with just about every other part of the body. And he has tattooed people from all professions.

Anthony and Rhiannon are both members of the Alliance of Professional Tattooists and have completed extra training in blood-borne pathogens and safety issues.

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Courtesy of: edmondsun.com

Tattoos Officially Become Legal.

Tattoos officially become legal in the state of Oklahoma on Nov. 1. The State Health Department will start enforcing regulations and issuing state licenses to tattoo shops.

Chanel Alaniz will head to work at Ultimate Image Tattoo and Body Piercing with a different attitude. "We're very excited and probably a little nervous at the same time," says Alaniz.

Shops must have separate clean and dirty rooms for equipment, and tattoo artists must be CPR and first-aid certified. They must also have knowledge of blood born pathogens.

Jason King, owner of Atomic Lotus Tattoo, cautions that Nov. 1 isn't as significant as you may think. "Just because tomorrow's the first doesn't mean it's safe to get a tattoo. There hasn't been any licensing and no inspections have been done yet," says King.

The health department will start issuing licenses, but they may not be able to observe all shops by Wednesday. King says until you see a state issued license posted, use caution and check for cleanliness.

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Courtesy of: ksbitv.com

Coloring Outside the Lines.

Does the dental hygiene treatment room always have to be used for dental hygiene procedures? Not according to Julie Gillispie, RDH, of Cache, Okla., who also has the credentials CMM after her name.

The designation, found only in Oklahoma, stands for Certified Medical Micropigmentologist. If you’re still in the dark, Julie is licensed to apply permanent pigmentation, or what is more commonly called a tattoo.

In Nov. 2006, tattoo parlors will be legal for the first time in Oklahoma. However, CMMs will be the only ones legally allowed to perform specialized tattooing procedures, known as permanent makeup, in the Sooner State. Julie’s company is called Permanent Cosmetic Enhancements.

Five years ago, the Oklahoma Board of Dentistry ruled that dental hygienists could become CMMs and apply permanent pigmentation in the head and neck area. Therefore, Julie’s focus is on permanent makeup, which is applying permanent color to a client’s skin using a tattooing technique. Julie adds color to lips, recreates or enhances eyebrows, and applies eyeliner on the outer edge of the lower lid.

Julie has not looked back since she became a licensed certified medical micropigmentologist. Her permanent makeup schedule fills up weeks in advance. She has found a way to make a difference - creating beauty with a tattoo gun. She is an artist with a different type of palette who shapes emotional wellness with every little stroke.

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Courtesy of: rdh.pennnet.com

Battle Line Drawn.

With a little more than a month to go before the practice is legal by state law, John Shell, the owner of Poor Boy Way tattoo parlor in Duncan was served with a notice from the police to cease operations.

The state Legislature passed a law that goes into effect Nov. 1 making licensed tattoo parlors legal.

But for a year and a half, Poor Boy Way has been supplying the service with not so much as a single complaint. Shell says part of that fact is a testament to his customer satisfaction.

Billy Jack Charnik, who has been a tattoo artist for about 17 years, said he has been pushing for the legal change for almost as many years. “The reason we needed this is because it is a health issue,” Charnik said. “If the state can regulate the health standards, you’ll see a lot fewer problems.” Shell and Charnik said they were surprised to find it illegal when they each moved here from different states — Shell from the West Coast and Charnik from the east.

“I thought, ‘holy cow.’ That puts us in there with Iran,” Shell said. “Iran and Oklahoma are now the only two places in the world where it isn’t legal.”

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Courtesy of: duncanbanner.com

Durant, Oklahoma
08/05/06

Get ‘eternally inked' in Caddo.

A tattoo and body piercing parlor has recently opened in Caddo. The parlor, called Parker Tattoo, is located on Buffalo Street, in the building that was last occupied by the Caddo Police Department. The owner, Eric Parker, said “it is ironic that a tattoo parlor would be in an old police station since tattooing has been illegal for so long.”

Parker has worked in tattoo parlors throughout Texas, working in Lufkin, Austin, Tyler and Nacadocious. He said that he received his training through an apprenticeship program. “The program does not just teach you how to work with the skin but also teaches you about sterilization and avoiding cross contamination.” Parker also became a piercer during his apprenticeship.

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Courtesy of: durantdemocrat.com

Tattoos inked into Oklahoma history.

The passage of Senate Bill 806 brings legal tattooing to the state, effective Nov. 1

Senate Bill 806, authored by Sen. Frank Shurden, makes Oklahoma the last of the 50 states to legalize and regulate the practice of tattooing.

Health guidelines, the final step in legalizing tattoos, will be put into effect Nov. 1 and will provide the minimum guidelines for the physical layout of the studio, apprenticeship guidelines and tattoo artist experience requirements.

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Courtesy of: okc.cc.ok.us

Current And Pending Oklahoma Laws...

No Tattoo Parlors Here!

The Tecumseh City Council declined to adopt an ordinance that would have allowed the operation of such establishments here, even though a new state law allows it.

“We put it on the agenda because we couldn’t find an ordinance,” City Manager Jim Thompson explained. “We had a request, and we said we’d review it.” City Attorney Ben McCullar researched the state law and drafted an ordinance, but the council wasn’t ready to jump.

Ward 1 Council Member Trace Brown made a motion to adopt the ordinance, but it died for lack of a second.

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Courtesy of: countywidenews.com

Tattoo idea hits the mark.

Members of the Pauls Valley Planning and Zoning Commission said yes to two possible zoning options for the proposed shop, which next will go to the local city council for final consideration.

That action came after Ron Herring gave four of the commissioners present for Tuesday night’s regular meeting a quick rundown of his views on a tattoo parlor’s operations.

“If we can go with this plan I want to make it where it’s a good, clean shop.” Herring next described to commission members the high level sanitary measures that must be taken for this type of shop. He also said each tattoo artist must be licensed with the state Department of Health.

Commissioners recommended the city remain up-to-date with all of those licenses once a shop does open for business. Commissioners then voted to recommend to the city council two possible zoning classifications for the proposed tattoo shop.

Those options would be either a C-6 class, which is the downtown area, or a C-4 status — the area located in the business district in western Pauls Valley — with a conditional use permit attached.

Also given the OK was a recommendation for the council to eventually approve the same license fees for the shop and possibly the tattoo artists as those currently being charged to local contractors such as electrical or plumbing businesses.

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Courtesy of: paulsvalleydailydemocrat.com

Judge Tosses Two Tattoo Regulations.

A judge tossed out state Health Department regulations Tuesday that required tattoo shops to have a $100,000 surety bond and banned them from doing business within 1,000 feet of schools, churches or playgrounds.

District Judge Dan Owens ruled that these provisions were unconstitutional.

State officials have not decided if they will appeal the ruling, which stems from a lawsuit filed in February by the Association of Body Art, a group of tattoo shop owners.

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Courtesy of: kotv.com

Tattoo shops hold off health department .

An Oklahoma County judge on Wednesday granted a temporary injunction that prevents the Oklahoma Health Department from enforcing a requirement that tattoo shops secure a $100,000 surety bond.

Tattoo shop owners filed suit in February, saying the rule is expensive and unfair, and that other businesses don't have to secure such bonds, which do nothing to protect public health.

Shop owners also question a requirement that prohibits them from operating within 1,000 feet of a church, school or playground, even though strip clubs must stay only 500 feet away.

District Judge Daniel Owens granted the temporary injunction, but did not rule on the distance requirement. He is scheduled to address both rules May 1. Kevin Pipes, Oklahoma Health Department chief of policy, said the agency will comply with the ruling.

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Courtesy of: tulsaworld.com

Oklahoma Tattoo Artists Fight Back.

The owner of an Ada Tattoo Parlor is fighting a law requiring all Oklahoma Tattoo Shops to obtain a 100-thousand dollar surety bond.

Jessica Harrell opened her shop last year and says when she applied for the bond, she was denied. Now the Health Department is threatening to shut down her parlor. So Harrell created the Association of Body Art. 14 members strong so far, with shop owners from across the state. The Association has filed a lawsuit against the Department of Health, claiming the bond is unreasonable and unconstitutional.

The Association hopes the lawsuit will buy some more time for shop owners until a ruling comes back. A spokesperson for the State Department of Health says the bond is currently being discussed in the State Senate. Depending on what happens in session, the bond could possibly be reduced to a lower amount, be switched out for liability insurance or gotten rid of altogether.

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Courtesy of: kten.com

Local tattoo issues more than just skin deep.

Phil Calfy, who owns Skin Ritual with his two sons, is fighting city hall about an 8 p.m. curfew. Del City Council approved the curfew on Nov. 6 of last year. He said the 8 p.m. curfew is hurting business. Skin Ritual would stay open until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and until 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday if it could, he said.

His attorney Jaye Mendros said Tuesday that cities can’t pass laws more restrictive than the state. The city will have to demonstrate that there’s a compelling state interest to close a tatoo parlor at 8 p.m. when bars can close at 2 a.m., she said.

“With what I have, you can tell it’s a vendetta,” Calfy said Monday from his south Oklahoma City tatoo parlor. “They ran two shops out because they didn’t have surety bonds.” Tatoo parlors are required by state law to post a surety bond as a result of legislation that legalized the business. The Legislature may downgrade the requirement to a cheaper liability bond this year.

Attorney Jaye Mendros filed a lawsuit on behalf of Different Image, located at 6212 SE 15. She is seeking a temporary restraining order against the city and a declaratory judgment from Judge Dan Owens. These would prevent Midwest City from closing the business either temporarily or permanently, she said. The lawsuit has a district court date on March 14 at 9 a.m.

Calfy said Wicked Sticker tattoo parlor near Reno and Sooner is “still fighting” Del City. Another tatoo parlor in the same strip mall says, “Closed until further notice.”

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Courtesy of: mwcsun.com

Caddo, Oklahoma
01/13/07

Tattoo artists see red ink.

Eric Parker of Parker Tattoo in Caddo is very familiar with the Oklahoma laws and regulations regarding tattooing. While fully in support of health regulations, he has deep concerns with the law regulating tattooing and the layers of bureaucracy necessary to establish a tattoo shop in Oklahoma.

“The state of Oklahoma requires a $100,000 surety bond, which you can't get if you don't have good credit. That is not equal treatment under the law,” said Parker, referring to one of the many regulations put in place by Oklahoma in regards to tattooing.

“If I have good credit, it will cost me about $2,000 a year to maintain my bond. With bad credit or unestablished credit it would cost about $11,000 a year. That is in addition to my initial $1,500 business license fee, my $500 piercing license. Plus, renewal fees every year,” said Parker, “Then after I get out of the red, they want 30 percent of my profit because I am self-contract labor.”

Also unusual about the law is the apprenticeship policy. In every other state, tattoo artists apprentice under a shop owner, and operate under the shop's license. In Oklahoma each artist must meet all the regulations on their own. Therefore, if one store has two artists, they both must maintain a $100,000 bond, and pay for licensing and health requirements, including sterilized environment testing.

Parker has a license and is operating his store legally. Any shop without a license will be fined $5,000 a day after the Feb. 1 deadline, according to the state health department.

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Courtesy of: durantdemocrat.com

Tattoo Artists Complain About Licensing Procedures.

Only 14 of an estimated 100 tattoo shops in Oklahoma have gotten licenses. The reason for many is a part of the law which requires the shops to have a $100,000 surety bond.

Tressa Madden with the state Health Department says the surety bond was intended to pay any needed medical expenses after a person got a tattoo. But surety bonds don't cover medical liability.

Tattoo shops have until February 1st to get a license or they face fines of $5,000 a day.

Tattoo shop owner Chris Brady says he believes the surety bond requirement is unconstitutional and says he's ready to challenge it in court.

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Courtesy of: kotv.com

‘Drawing’ first blood.

Oklahoma was the last state in the union to legalize tattooing, but Karen and Burt Smith have no intention of being the “last” at any endeavor. Both are nursing school graduates and licensed tattoo artists who have practiced their craft for years in other states. The Smiths are co-owners of Safari Body Art Studio, a body-piercing studio that recently added legal tattooing to its repertoire, but not without jumping through some pretty tight hoops.

One obstacle for would-be tattoo studios owners is the requirement to post a surety bond of $100,000 to be licensed. According to Marisa Kakoulas DiMattia, a New York lawyer who authors the Web site Legal Link, that’s an incredibly high amount. In addition to the bond, Oklahoma shop owners will pay an initial licensing fee of $1,000 and a $500 charge for annual renewal.

Requirements for a license include professional experience in tattooing or completion of an approved apprentice program. There is also a standardized test and requirements for certificates in CPR, first-aid and in dealing with bloodborne pathogens.

The Smiths pride themselves on their level of professionalism, not just from a public safety aspect, but in their ability understand what is required legally. “Having the health care background helps us out a lot when it comes to interpreting state laws and health codes,” said Burt. While the Smiths are happy to have the business, during this time of year, appointments are an absolute must. Karen strongly recommends calling at least a week in advance for a tattoo appointment, as she is the primary tattoo artist.

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Courtesy of: tahlequahdailypress.com

Artists draw on first aid, CPR classes.

Jeff Mitchell has dealt with bleeders and fainters in his line of work, so he said he was happy to learn first aid as part of the state rules for obtaining a tattoo license.

Mitchell has been practicing his art for seven years, but tattooing only recently became legal in Oklahoma, with a strict set of requirements to gain a license.

Oklahoma has licensed more than 50 tattoo artists since the profession became legal Nov. 1. But dozens more still are completing state requirements.

Tressa Madden, state Health Department consumer protection director, said parlors should operate with health and safety as the priority. Strict guidelines are set for sanitation and sterilization of reusable equipment and frequent hand washing.

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Courtesy of: newsok.com

Council unblocks Beech project.

The council also voted 4-1 to allow a use-on-review permit for the operation of a tattoo parlor/body piercing business in Deer Creek Center on North Highway 81. Councilman Carl Bowers cast the dissenting vote.

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Courtesy of: duncanbanner.com

Tattoo parlors may not have to move.

Three Del City tattoo parlors may or may not be in violation of a new state law.

That’s the word from Del City City Manager Mark Edwards, who relayed the news to Del City City Council members at their meeting Monday night.

Edwards received a memo from the state Health Department on Monday that favors allowing existing tattoo parlors to remain at their current location after Nov. 1 due to a grandfather clause in the state statute. The grandfather clause apparently applies to businesses that were operating with a body piercing permit prior to Nov. 1.

According to the law, tattoo parlors cannot be located within 1,000 feet of a church or school. Skin Ritual is located within 1,000 feet of Del City High School and a church, Edwards said. Two other tattoo parlors in town are within 1,000 feet of a church. These parlors are located in the Small Market Mall at Reno Avenue and Sooner Road.

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Courtesy of: mwcsun.com

Needled by ordinance.

‘Just in time for Nov. 1, the day licensed tattoo parlors become legal in the state of Oklahoma, Duncan’s City Council approved new zoning ordinances to regulate the locations of tattoo parlors and body piercing establishments inside Duncan’s city limits.

At Tuesday night’s meeting at least one local business owner was not happy with the designation of such businesses as being permitted as a use “on review” rather than a use “by right.”

For Jason Shell, owner and operator of Poor Boy Way, the difference made by those two words means that he now needs to go through the process of seeking approval from the city’s Planning Commission. It then has to be affirmed by a vote of the City Council a week later.

The status of any business as a use “on review” allows for public comments to be considered before the permit to operate is approved, explained City Manager Clyde Shaw.

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Courtesy of: duncanbanner.com

Duncan, Oklahoma
10/23/06

Street priorities.

Several recommendations from the city’s planning commission are also up for approval Tuesday night; including an amendment to the city code to add tattoo parlors and body piercing establishments to the zoning regulations.

The council meets at 5:15 p.m. in the council chamber inside the Duncan Police Administration building on the corner of Seventh and Willow.

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Courtesy of: duncanbanner.com

City adopts rules to govern tattoo studios.

New state law makes practice legal as of Nov. 1

The Durant City Council passed an ordinance on Tuesday night regarding the regulation of tattoo, body piercing and body painting studios.

According to the ordinance, the studios will be located in those districts zoned for commercial use, C-2 and C-3; in addition to industrial zones, I-1 and I-2.

The ordinance states that a tattoo, body piercing, or body painting artist will have to apply for a permit, have the Durant Police Department conduct criminal background checks on employees, and keep very detailed records. The initial permit will cost $1,000, plus $30 per background check. They must file the completed application along with proof of a valid state permit for tattoo and certain body piercing studios, issued by the Oklahoma Department of Health. The studio will then be inspected by the regulatory authority, and if in compliance with all applicable state and local health codes, a Conditional Use Permit will be issued. Additionally, the ordinance requires the studio to renew their permit for an additional $500 each year.

The ordinance states the records from the studio must include: a file of each client or person receiving a tattoo, body piercing, or body painting including: Name, address, date of birth, sex, age of the customer or client receiving the service. Additionally, all other records required by the health department will also be kept.

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Courtesy of: durantdemocrat.com

Moore Council finds fewer tattoo parlors in their city a remarkably good idea.

With a state law legalizing tattooing and body piercing as of Nov. 1, city officials began amending ordinances to recognize and allow the businesses within city limits.

Community Development director Elizabeth Jones presented a proposed ordinance -- which paralleled the new state law governing both types of businesses -- to commissioners for their approval. The ordinance, 556(06), added tattoo and body piercing parlors to the city's list of approved retail sales and services. "We based our ordinance on the new state law," Jones said. Council members passed the proposal by a 6-1 vote.

But it was the companion ordinance -- 555(06) -- that drew the most fire. That ordinance, Jones said, would have allowed tattooing in several commercial zones in the city, including the C3 commercial zone which covers professional business such as insurance agents and doctor's offices.

With a new state law on the horizon, city commissioners will have to move quickly to change zoning requirements.

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Courtesy of: normantranscript.com

Duncan, Oklahoma
09/20/06

Tattoo shop locations discussed.

Members of the Duncan Municipal Planning Commission addressed a couple of topics over a 2 1/2-hour period at Tuesday’s regular meeting but took no official action on either item.

State regulations mandate that tattoo shops will not be allowed within 1,000 feet of churches, schools and playgrounds. The members discussed the need to locate the businesses away from residential areas, too.

The commission discussed having the location issue a “use by review” situation when it was within 300 feet and “use by right” when it was outside of 300 feet from a residential area. If approved, the regulation would require all residential areas within 300 feet of a tattoo establishment to be notified of the business’ intentions to move in and all concerns would be addressed.

The commission will continue the discussion at its next meeting to draft a recommendation to be reviewed by the Duncan City Council at its Oct. 26 meeting.

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Courtesy of: duncanbanner.com

New Oklahoma Tattoo Laws Approved.

Tattoo parlors in Oklahoma will be allowed to open their doors in just over a month, and now the State Board of Health has adopted rules to help regulate them. The new restrictions go into effect November 1st.

The regulations were decided unanimously at Thursday's State Board of Health meeting.

The body artists will have to be licensed, which includes taking courses in bloodborne diseases and first aid. They will also have to pass a standardized competency test and will have to pass at least two inspections per year by health department officials. Tattoos will be restricted to people eighteen-years or older.

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Courtesy of: kten.com

Texans React to Possible Legalization of Tattooing in Oklahoma.

Oklahoma's Governor will be in Durant Thursday night, and his signature is the last thing needed to legalize tattoo parlors in Oklahoma. The Oklahaom State Senate gave its final approval Wednesday, so it's now up to Governor Brad Henry to make it law. How will legalizing tattooing in Oklahoma affect businesses south of the Red River?

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Courtesy of: kten.com

The tattoo legalization bill was passed Monday by the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives voted 70-28 Monday to legalize and regulate tattooing, said Ray Carter, director of the House Media Division of the state house in Oklahoma City.

Senate Bill 806 would legalize tattooing in Oklahoma for the first time in state history. An amended version was approved by the House yesterday, and the Senate has indicated it would vote on it and send it to the governor, Carter said.

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Courtesy of: arkcity.net

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