Tattoos and body piercings tend to generate strong opinions. Now, one local county is banning them altogether.
The Mercer County Health Department recommended the ordinance after state lawmakers passed the Tattoo and Body Piercing Act. Health officials say the state is responsible for the permits and licensing of such facilities, but individual counties will be responsible for inspecting them. Now, Mercer County won't have to worry about that duty.
We went to Aledo, the county seat, and talked to numerous people about the ban. Everyone we talked to questions the need for a ban, even those who don't approve of tattoos.
"I think it's wrong for one person, or one community, to say you can't do this or you can't do that." said Leonard Diehl.
"I'm not sure why they would put a ban on it if there isn't anything established yet," said Sam, Salmon. And Joseph Hayes says, "With the war and the economy and gas. I mean, tattoos are the last thing that should be on their minds right now."
Mercer County health officials say the ban might help prevent blood-borne pathogens like Hepatitis C, which is on the rise right now.
Anyone caught violating the ordinance can be fined anywhere from $100 to $1,000.
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