Getting tough on dodgy tattooists

Yarmouth tattoo artist Nik Capon working at Art Attack. The long-established parlour says it will not be affected by new regulations, as it already adheres to the standards required.

15 March 2007 12:13

Tighter controls over piercing and tattoo parlours are being drawn up to prevent transmission of HIV and hepatitis and to clamp down on backstreet operators.

Great Yarmouth Borough Council says existing byelaws to regulate cosmetic piercers were developed in the 1980s when there was "less awareness of the risk of infection from blood-borne disease when carrying out piercing activities".

Now councillors are being asked to approve new measures to improve cleanliness and hygiene of the premises, practitioners and equipment.

In recent years, there has been a growing demand for body piercing and semi-permanent skin colouring, used for make-up and body art, but practitioners do not need to be registered with the council. There are 18 ear-piercing or electrolysis premises registered, eight for tattooing and another two for acupuncture.

The council report said: "With the increased awareness and occurrence of blood-borne diseases such as HIV and hepatitis, it has been found that the existing byelaws do not contain conditions to provide adequate infection-control measures associated with these activities."

John Capon, who owns Art Attack Tattoo Studios in Regent Road and Nelson Road Central, said he did not feel the new measures would have an impact on established tattoo studios but could impact people who operate from home or who do not need to register with the council.

Mr Capon, who has been in the tattoo business for 30 years, said tattooists took great care over hygiene and cleanliness and he had seen customers become more aware of health and hygiene over the years.

He said: "A lot of studios are not in the habit of using needles over and over again, many get them ready packaged and sterilised straight from the factory.

"I don't think this will change anything at all with any registered studios - they are already operating to these standards."

Sarah Cawston, of Great Yarmouth Borough Council, said: "Most of the premises that do body piercing are already licensed with us for tattooing as well, so we don't think it will have a huge impact."

Plans to introduce the new byelaw will be considered by the council's cabinet on Wednesday, March 21, at 6.30pm.

Ü Have you had a bad experience after going to a backstreet tattoo or piercing parlour? Contact Kim Briscoe on 01603 772419 or e-mail kim.briscoe@archant.co.uk

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