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LINCOLN PARK - Tattoo parlor ban to be lifted
(by Sid Johnston - Staff Writer - October 21, 2008)
LINCOLN PARK - The Borough Council introduced several ordinances on Oct. 20 that, if adopted, would pave the way for a tattoo parlor to set up shop locally.
The council introduced three ordinances that could end the long-time ban on stand-alone service industries, which includes tattooing, in the borough. The ordinance would also affect barber shops, Realtors and other non-retail service industries.
The borough had a long-time prohibition on shops like tattoo parlors because service shops were only allowed if they provided retail capabilities as well. This law, along with a law saying that only a licensed doctor could tattoo someone, effectively put a prohibition on tattooing in the borough.
In an attempt to change these laws, the council introduced one ordinance that would change the zoning in certain areas of the borough to allow service industries like barber shops and tattoo parlors. It also introduced an ordinance that would eliminate the restriction that only licensed doctors were permitted to administer tattoos in the borough, and after some deliberation, introduced an ordinance that would establish, along state Department of Health & Senior Services guidelines, a $200 tattoo parlor inspection fee.
The ordinances came to fruition after an entrepreneur approached the Planning Board trying to see if a tattoo parlor could be built locally.
The council members said that they hope that with this proposed repeal of the prohibition, new businesses will be attracted to the borough. The ordinances are set for possible adoption in November.
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