EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — El Paso tattoo shop owners will now have to pass an inspection before receiving or renewing their city registration after city officials approved a new ordinance on Tuesday.
During Tuesday’s El Paso City Council meeting, city leaders approved a new licensing ordinance that requires a pre-registration inspection for tattoo shop owners before applying for a license.
Under the ordinance, city officials would conduct an inspection within 10 business days, with shops required to provide proof of an approved inspection. However, refusing city officials access to inspect could result in a registration being denied or revoked.
The city said the change follows cases in which owners were bypassing the current ordinance by obtaining a license first and waiting for an inspection afterward.
“We get a case in code enforcement to follow up and do the actual inspection so that meanwhile they could be doing tattoos until they get inspected,” said Steve Alvarado, the city of El Paso’s code enforcement director.
Previously speaking to KFOX14/CBS4, Alvarado said the city is working to support tattoo businesses while also ensuring public safety.
“They’re a part of our community, and it’s our responsibility to provide them with what they need and make sure that they’re operating safely for the community,” Alvarado said.
Following the approved ordinance, Sergio “Sketch” Alarcon of After Ten Tattoo told KFOX14/CBS4 that the inspection requirement is important for public health.
“If you give a license to someone that’s not up to par with how to handle bloodborne pathogens, having to needle and ink on the wrong hands can actually lead to HIV, AIDS, or even hepatitis,” Alarcon said.
The city said refusal to comply with the ordinance can result in denial of studio registration.
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