Put a Tattoo Parlor in Los Alamitos, all Hell Will Break Loose

If you live in Los Alamitos, and you're contemplating getting some ink done, a rubdown, or some permanent eyeliner put on, think outside the lines. As in, outside the city lines, since the Los Alamitos City Council "voted last night to extend a 45-day moratorium on new tattoo parlors, permanent make-up salons and massage services until September 2011," according to the OC Register.Right now there actually aren't any tattoo parlors within the city limits; the moratorium was prompted by a recent inquiry from a prospective business who was considering opening up there.

Why the anti-body art sentiment? A city report attests: "In other cities, tattoo parlors have increased crime in surrounding areas and, without proper regulation, could lead to unsanitary conditions and diseases transmitted by needles." The big fear is that having tattoo parlors, massage parlors, and permanent make-up shops "will lead to (the) deterioration of the City of Los Alamitos and would result in a current and immediate threat to the public health, safety, or welfare," of its residents.

The moratorium was designed to give officials time to consider the first amendment issues of the ban. Hermosa Beach also recently considered a similar ban.