WEST MILTON, Ohio – Tattoo parlors and body piercing shops have been banned in this western Ohio village because officials say contaminated needles pose a risk to public health.
Last month's 4-2 decision by the village council is being branded by some residents as anti-business, and others say it goes outside the bounds governments should respect.
"I just don't see how a small town can say, 'No, you can't do that here,"' said Candy Curry, owner of Curry's Video Plus. "I just think they crossed a line there."
Village officials say the new ordinance is within Ohio law.
"It's not anti-tattoo and it's not anti-business," said Municipal Manager Tony Howard. "It's a health issue. It's just an open invitation to infection."
In Ohio, tattoo parlors and piercing businesses must receive approval from local health departments to operate.
West Milton is about 15 miles north of Dayton.
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