Tattoo Parlor

[Don Haddix]

Another issue to fix.

When the application was submitted it was legal since no ordinance didn't allow it.

But, with that said, the ordinances will be changed to keep such out of at least certain area in the future. Instead of a list of what cannot be built I asked Staff to write ordinances so that business types not specifically allowed were not permitted without a change to the allowed list.

Sorry. So much work to do it cannot all be caught quickly.

[HST]

Don,

You appear to be against the permitting of tattoo shops in Peachtree City. I have a few questions:
1) Are there other types of legal businesses you feel should not be permitted in Peachtree City? If so, what and why?

2) What are your reasons for opposition to tattoo shops?

3) Will you actively seek to close this business down once it has opened?

4) Do you have any tattoos?

5) Have you ever actually been in a tattoo shop?

[Don Haddix]

Don,

You appear to be against the permitting of tattoo shops in Peachtree City.
To be honest I am weighing community values against reasonable accommodation. So, for now all I can say is not in the upscale and family shopping areas but maybe in some other areas.

I have a few questions:
1) Are there other types of legal businesses you feel should not be permitted in Peachtree City? If so, what and why?

The semantical phrasing here has a problem. If legal it is allowed. If not legal it is not.

Different communities have different values.

So do you want porn shops? They are legal in some communities.

How about gambling, check cashing, strip joints and such? Some allow and some do not.

Moral values, economic impact, crime and other data values have to be weighed to make determinations. Certain businesses deliver an impression about the community, such a tattoo, pawn, check cashing etc. that impact home values and more.

Really isn't an easy answer and many factors have to be weighed and balanced.

Not trying to dodge but reality is reality. Someone driving through a community seeing certain stores form an immediate opinion about the community's values, home values, financial well-being, family friendliness and so on. That judgment can include being too expensive to live in or elitist as well.

I can say I oppose porn, gambling, strip joints and drink and party night clubs outright.
2) What are your reasons for opposition to tattoo shops?
In the upscale and family shopping areas they are the wrong message to kids and visitors. I know many people with tats that got them when young and really regret it. Others love them and are getting more.

In other areas, maybe Huddleston, in example, maybe. Not sure.
3) Will you actively seek to close this business down once it has opened?
No. Never. Comes in legal it is legal as long as it is there.

The action would be to correct what allowed them in to begin with for the future.

The owner invested time, money and more to set the business up. As a former business owner I would not do that to someone. Totally against the grain for me.

So, in effect, the owner would be getting exclusivity out of the deal.

4) Do you have any tattoos?
No. My Dad did and I have friends who do.
5) Have you ever actually been in a tattoo shop?
Yes. Back in the days of manual application. I have seen the new equipment in operation on TV.

Hope that covered it. If not, ask more.

[Don Haddix]

In follow up here (http://www.ajc.com/services/content/metro/fayette/stories/2008/02/07/ptc0208.html?cxntlid=inform_sr) is the AJC take on this issues.

Unless I am mistaken Fayetteville does not allow tattoo parlors at all. Fayette County allows but, as in the linked article, requires a medically licensed professional to do the tattooing.

Here (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tattoos-and-piercings/MC00020) is what the Mayo Clinic has to say about tattoos.

[Don Haddix]

For clarity, since the tattoo parlor was opened prior to the ordinance, he is not being put out of business by the ordinance.

He was legally grandfathered and thus has no legal grounds for a lawsuit.

[Don Haddix]

I went back and got workable definitions nailed down via our legal counsel and Staff.

The legal requirement is for oversight and periodic inspection. The same as is required at manicure, hair cutting and similar shops.

So, the terms, legal definitions and requirement have been brought into line with long standing and normal legal requirements by State and County within this general type of service related activities.

There is nothing undo, illegal or unethical in these requirements.

54 Tattoo has been notified. That should put to rest the confusions and history of this subject.