Tattoo Artists Challenge State Regulations

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Some tattoo artists are challenging state regulations on the practice that they say are designed to limit their numbers in the state. Veteran tattoo artist Tony Garcia is one of

Sunday, April 29th 2007, 2:01 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Some tattoo artists are challenging state regulations on the practice that they say are designed to limit their numbers in the state. Veteran tattoo artist Tony Garcia is one of nearly a dozen other shop owners who are fighting in Oklahoma County District Court over two provisions that are required for a license to operate a tattoo shop.

An Oklahoma County judge granted an injunction in March to the provision that requires shop owners to obtain a $100,000 surety bond. There still hasn't been a ruling on the regulation that prevents them from being within one-thousand feet of a school, church or
park.

A final hearing on the issues is set for 9 a.m. Tuesday before Oklahoma County District Court Judge Dan Owens.

State Health Department officials say the provisions are necessary to regulate the state's fledgling tattoo industry.