News Summary
Significant changes have been made to tattoo regulations in South Carolina over the past 15 years. The legal age for tattoos is now set at 18, and restrictions are in place for tattoos on visible areas like the face and neck. Local tattoo artists express concern over zoning laws that limit shop locations. With a 1,000-hour apprenticeship requirement for tattoo artists and increased safety discussions, South Carolina’s regulations aim to protect public safety and ensure professionalism in the tattoo industry.
Columbia, South Carolina – Tattoo regulations in South Carolina have undergone significant changes over the past 15 years. The legal age to receive a tattoo is now set at 18, following a period in which the state uniquely prohibited anyone under 21 from getting a tattoo. Additionally, current laws restrict tattoos on the head, neck, and face, which local tattoo shop owners view as critical to job prospects for those seeking work.
Stephanie Melora, owner of Southern Cypress Tattoo in Five Points, emphasizes the permanence of tattoos by strictly verifying identification and refusing service to anyone under 18. The state’s regulations aim to protect minors from impulsive decisions that could carry lifelong consequences.
A notable aspect of South Carolina’s tattoo laws is the requirement for tattoo shops to be located at least 1,000 feet away from churches. This poses a challenge in the South, where churches are prevalent. Furthermore, Columbia’s zoning laws mandate that tattoo shops be spaced at least 1,000 feet apart from one another, resulting in limited business opportunities for artists. In total, there are approximately 155 tattoo shops throughout South Carolina, with around two dozen situated in the Columbia area alone.
Melora, who has been tattooing for over a decade and has operated her shop since 2019, highlights the 1,000 hours of apprenticeship required for tattoo artists before they can obtain a state license. This is a contrast to neighboring states like North Carolina, which has no mandatory training or bloodborne pathogen tests for aspiring tattoo artists, despite requiring a permit application and inspection process.
Dr. Margaret Coates, a dermatologist, warns about the risks associated with tattoos, such as severe infections or allergic reactions when untrained individuals are involved. In North Carolina, numerous complaints have been filed against tattoo artists concerning unpermitted work and inadequate sanitation. Such incidents highlight the necessity for regulations that ensure public safety in tattoo practices.
While North Carolina shares a similar restriction on tattooing minors, allowing piercings with parental consent raises questions about the consistency of regulations across states. Virginia and Tennessee present tighter restrictions, permitting minors to get tattoos under parental supervision or doctor oversight.
The debate over tattoo industry regulations extends into Myrtle Beach, where local zoning laws restrict tattoo parlors to warehouse manufacturing zones. This prevents these establishments from being located near schools, churches, or playgrounds, significantly impacting their business footprint. Local tattoo artists advocate for changes to these restrictions to improve their operational capabilities.
As the tattoo industry continues evolving in South Carolina, the history of tattoo regulations remains noteworthy. Tattooing faced a complete ban in the state starting in 1960 due to health concerns, particularly the risk of hepatitis. It wasn’t until 2004 that tattooing was legalized again, and the first legal tattoo in South Carolina was given in Myrtle Beach soon after the repeal.
As of now, after getting a tattoo, individuals are advised to refrain from swimming for two weeks and apply protective ointments like Vaseline to shield their tattoos from sunlight during the healing process. These tips further emphasize the importance of responsible practices in the tattoo community and the ongoing need for regulations that ensure safety and professionalism in the industry.
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Additional Resources
- WRAL: North Carolina Tattoo Training Lacking
- Wikipedia: Tattoo
- RealClearPolicy: Zoning Police Cover Tattoo Artist
- Google Search: Tattoo Regulations in South Carolina
- Charlotte Observer: North Carolina Tattoo News
- Google Scholar: Tattoo Health Regulations
- WPDE: Myrtle Beach Tattoo Artist Fighting Ordinance
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tattoo
- Myrtle Beach Online: Local Tattoo News
- Google News: Tattoo Industry News
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