Tattoo Artists, Customers Upset Over City Linking Shops To Gangs, Drugs, Diseases
RIVERBANK (CBS13) — Tattoo artists and customers are upset over one city's description connecting tattoo shops with gangs, drugs and diseases.
The city of Riverbank adopted a temporary moratorium on new tattoo shops.
Brittni Cook has a couple of tattoos and is looking to get more. She was surprised at a recent city report that said tattoo shops are usually associated with gangs, drug deals, and deadly diseases.
"I'm not affiliated with a gang obviously I don't do drugs or anything like that," she said.
Riverbank's city manager said the report shouldn't have said that tattoo shops are "usually" associated with such behavior.
"I think the use of the word 'usually' was unfortunate I wish I would have caught that sooner," she said.
She says the City Council's vote to put a 45-day moratorium on new tattoo shops is to protect businesses and the community. There are currently no city regulations or guidelines for tattoo shops.
Tattoo artist Steve Hoot recognizes he gets judged by his tattoos. He was upset with the city's description and judgment. He says he has all kinds of customers.
"They see ink all over your body they think you come from jail or are a criminal," he said. "Business people have 'em, doctors have 'em, people that go to church have 'em."
As one of two shops in town, he believes new shops should be allowed in, but as the city is recommending with some regulations.
In the next 45 days the city will look at possible regulations for tattoo shops and will be looking at tattoo shops like this one to help them learn more about the industry.
