Ohio Village Bans Tattoo Parlors, Body Piercing Shops
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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."
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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.
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West Milton is about 15 miles north of Dayton.