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         May 8, 2001

GOP LEGISLATORS INTRODUCE
TATTOO PARLOR LICENSING LEGISLATION
Parental Consent Required

(Mineola, NY) Ranking Health Committee Member and 8th District Legislator Vincent Muscarella (R-West Hempstead) has filed local legislation requiring the licensing of tattoo parlors by the Nassau County Department of Health and requiring children under the age of 18 to receive parental consent before being tattooed, branded or receive a body piercing. The legislation has the support of the entire Republican delegation.

"Residents have the right to know that the facility that is being used is properly licensed by the Health Department," said Legislator Muscarella. "This legislation would require tattoo parlors to obtain a license from the Department of Health before doing business in our County. In addition, the legislation would require minors to obtain their parent's or guardian's permission before having their body pierced, branded or tattooed."

The legislation requires the following:
  • Children under the age of 18 would be required to have notarized signed permission from a parent to have their body pierced, branded or tattooed.
  • Requires tattoo parlors to be licensed by the Health Department.
  • Merchants found to violate the law could face fines up to $1000.
Problems related to body piercing include:
  • Exposure to Hepatitis B and C
  • Tetanus
  • Chronic Infection
  • Scarring
  • Skin allergies to the jewelry that is used
  • Abscesses or Boils
  • Permanent holes in your nostril or eyebrow
"Parents have expressed to me their concerns that their child can have their body pierced, branded or tattooed without their knowledge or consent. They are rightfully worried about communicable diseases such as Hepatitis B or C being transmitted to their child through unclean devices. I share those sentiments and that is why I am sponsoring this legislation along with my colleagues," concluded Legislator Muscarella.

If the legislation is adopted and signed into law by the County Executive it would become effective January 1, 2002. This time period will give the Department of Health the opportunity to develop licensing standards and allow the industry the opportunity to comply with them.



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