Tattoos inked into Oklahoma history
The passage of Senate Bill 806 brings legal tattooing to the state, effective Nov. 1
Brad Tallant, OCCC transfer student, has countless tattoos spanning his arms. An Oklahoma law banning tattoo parlors didn’t stop him from obtaining them. Instead, he drove to Texas.
Prior to this summer, those seeking tattoos were forced to make that trek south or to other neighboring states, or go to an illegal operator in-state.
However, in May, after years of debate, Gov. Brad Henry brought tattoos as well as the money to be made from them home by signing legislation allowing tattoo artists to legally set up shop in Oklahoma. The law goes into effect Nov. 1.
Senate Bill 806, authored by Sen. Frank Shurden, makes Oklahoma the last of the 50 states to legalize and regulate the practice of tattooing. This pleases people for a variety of reasons.
Many believe the lift on the decades-old law, enacted in 1963 as a result of health and moral concerns among Oklahoma legislators, will benefit the state’s economy.
Tallant echoes this belief. “It will be good for the state economy because of the ability to tax and license the artists and shops,” he said.
Enthusiasts also believe legalizing tattoos will lead to a safer industry, since the government could regulate health practices, CBS News reported.
Jason King, owner of 23rd Street Body Piercing and Atomic Lotus Tattoo, said that would depend on who’s conducting the inspections but said he believes the current protocol needs mending.
“(Currently), studio inspections aren’t sufficient enough to ensure the health of patrons,” King said. “The current inspector is a restaurant [inspector].
“[Tattoos and restaurants] are like apples and oranges,” King said. “They’re totally different.”
Health guidelines, the final step in legalizing tattoos, will be put into effect Nov. 1 and will provide the minimum guidelines for the physical layout of the studio, apprenticeship guidelines and tattoo artist experience requirements, King said.
King said his shop already adheres to strict guidelines. “It’s not gonna mean much for us,” he said. “Our shop already exceeds minimum health standards, and we won’t have to make any changes.”
Kenny Hall, owner of Hall of Fame Tattoos in Norman, agrees.
“The health sanctions will not change how we operate because parlors are already following their own stringent health procedures.”
A concern some Oklahoma residents have is that some customers may make rash decisions when given the opportunity to get a tattoo so easily.
Jennifer Barta, OCCC business management junior, is worried that some students may get work done while intoxicated.
Tattoo shop owners say they are on the lookout for drunk or high customers. Hall stresses that his shop “will absolutely not tattoo individuals under the influence.” He said individuals must sign a contract stating they are sober.
The new law makes it illegal to tattoo anyone who is under the influence.
King said paperwork in his shop is minimal. “Customers sign a quick standard release form and we work out size details. People get tattooed, pay and leave. It’s easy.”
State law demands that anyone looking to get a tattoo at any shop must provide identification proving they are at least 18 years old.
Now that tattoo artists can work out in the open, the price for a tattoo may increase, King said.
“Tattoos will be more expensive, but that’s the cost of business,” he said.
There’s no overhead for someone working out of their house, but parlors have to pay for rent, bills and advertising.”
The upside is, there will be more shops to choose from. “You’ll be able to comparison shop,” King said. “With more available choices, and legal ones at that, it’s bound to make getting a tattoo easier.
“There are 18 shops in the metroplex and out-of-state artists are coming to the area,” he said. “There will be a lot of competition at first. Everyone’s got the brilliant idea to open a shop in Oklahoma, but it won’t be that easy. The area can probably support about 15 shops.”
King said some folks may still go out of state to get tattoos.
“Some people will still seek out specific artists, regardless. I think most casual shoppers will get their tattoos locally …”
Hall said the time and cost associated with a tattoo depend on the complexity and size of the artwork in question.
King said the industry standard includes a $50 minimum. “Artists generally make a bid on smaller pieces and charge by the hour for larger pieces,” he said. “Artists generally charge anywhere from $100 to $150 an hour.”
Tallant said anyone seeking permanent inking needs to think about the reason for getting a tattoo so there’ll be no regrets. He said he puts a lot of forethought into his tattoos. “I view my tattoos as artwork,” he said.
For more information on the new law, visit www.governor.state.ok.us.
