Legal tattoos many months away in South Carolina

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- Thinking about getting a tattoo in South Carolina? Think again.

A state law banning the body art may soon be lifted, but health officials warn it will be many months, if not a year, before any tattoo artist in the Palmetto State can legally begin marking the skin.

That's because the process to regulate an industry like this takes, at times, up to 18 months in South Carolina. But the tattoo rules will be put on the fast track if Gov. Mark Sanford approves a bill the legislature passed Thursday, said George Moore of the state Department of Health and Environmental Control.

Through his spokesmen, the governor has said he would sign the bill as long as it protects public health. The state's health agency must draft regulations, get approval from the department's board, hold public hearings and send the new rules to the legislature.

Moore said he hopes the General Assembly will have a chance to accept the regulations by February.

"The law requires that they be licensed by us," Moore said. "That's about the earliest we can do it."

That would leave Oklahoma as the last state in the nation that still bans tattoos.

South Carolina's lengthy regulatory process has not deterred a tattoo artist who is ready to open a business near downtown Columbia.

"I'm ready to go, the thing is, I've owned shops for 13 years," said Shovan, known only by her first name. She said she also has a studio in Tokyo and seasonal establishments in Thailand and Amsterdam.

"Tattoos don't have to be ugly," she said. "It can be safe and beautiful."

There's little worry from this 33-year-old that Purple Lotus Tattoos won't pass a state health department inspection.

But the bill says she will have to use disposable needles, and she won't be able to tattoo anyone under 18. It also requires a parent's permission for anyone 18 to 21 and bans tattooing the face, neck and head.

Tattoo artists also will have to follow local zoning laws, such as opening businesses away from churches and schools.

Shovan said she treats the studio like a hospital. Incense floats through the rooms, which are covered with pictures, tapestries, masks, Japanese trinkets and Buddhas. Indian-Middle Eastern music plays in the background.

"This is not a shop for the public to walk in and think they can get a tattoo. They cannot. This is an expensive, custom shop, where the design is done for you and you only," she said. "It has to be drawn, you have to have a consultation. I mean, it's not a treat 'em and street 'em shop."

Shavon said she wouldn't give a tattoo here until she received a license, but others want to make sure the public is aware of the law hasn't changed yet.

Sen. Bill Mescher, who has tried for years to pass a bill that would lift the tattoo ban, wants people to know if they give tattoos before the regulations are approved, they risk a fine and possible jail time.

"If you do, you put yourself at risk for that $2,500 fine and a year in jail," said Mescher, R-Pinopolis. "They can set up, they just can't open."