No action on ordinance on tattoo and body piercing

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No action on ordinance on tattoo and body piercing
June 23, 2010
By JENNIFER STOCKINGER
Brainerd Dispatch


After much discussion and failed motions, the Crow Wing County Board Tuesday took no action on repealing its tattoo and body piercing ordinance.

The county held a public hearing on whether it should repeal its ordinance after a new state law passed that has the Minnesota Department of Health licensing tattoo artists as of July 1 and licensing establishments on Jan. 2.

Gwen Anderson of the Crow Wing Public Health Department said the department supports the state law that requires tattoo artists to have proof of their education and training and details on how they'll handle prevention of disease transmissions, infection control and aseptic technique.

Anderson said the state law is more restrictive than the county's ordinance, but there are some areas where it is not as restrictive. The state prohibits those younger than 18 from getting tattoos but piercings are allowed with parental consent. In the county, those under age 18 can get a tattoo if they have parental consent. The state licenses the artist for two years and the establishment for three years. The county ordinance renews only the establishment license on an annual basis.

Branden Noetzel, One Life Studio in Brainerd, said he is not opposed to having more standards. He said he is happy to see more standards because it makes it more safe for people getting tattoos.

"A few things that are not being addressed is the over-saturation of the business," said Noetzel. "Half of the people get licensed with the basic criteria and a few people in our shops are always trying to advance. Some are just OK with just getting their license and that's all."

Anderson said there were six tattoo shops in the county and two permanent make-up shops, which she said were basically the same thing.

County Administrator Tim Houle said the question is who will do the licensing, the county or the state. Houle said the county cannot enforce lower standards than the state. Houle said the county can be more restrictive if it wants to be, but not less restrictive.

The county board was concerned about what limitations, if any, were on the mobile tattoo artists because of what happened at the county fair last year. Houle said last year a mobile tattoo artist tried to get a permit to be at the county fairgrounds, but it was denied.

The board voted 4-1 to table the repeal of the ordinance to gather more information on the mobile artists. Commissioner Rachel Reabe Nystrom opposed. Nystrom said the state's ordinance uses common sense standards and they'll do the job.

Commissioner Paul Thiede wasn't sure.

"This is another classic example of the state government saying we can do a better job and say we'll have the funds to do it," said Thiede.