Like many small business owners in the state, Jay Thomas (owner and tattoo artist at Sinners Luck Tattoo and Piercing Studio) has been at home since the “Stay-At-Home” order was issued in March.
He is now making a case to reopen tattoo shops because of in-house tattoo artists that are still operating.
Thomas argues that in-house tattoo artists are more dangerous than professionally licensed tattoo shops. He states that in order for tattoo artists to be licensed, they must pass classes in bloodborne pathogens, cross-contamination, first aid, CPR, and use medical-grade cleaning machines or disposable instruments. Thomas also explained that the disinfectants that are used in tattoo parlors are of medical grade.
Thomas has started a petition to reopen tattoo shops.
Louisiana’s Tattoo and Body Art Facilities are disproportionately economically affected by the effects of the current shut down do to COVID-19, and are some of the best equipped facilities for dealing with preventing transmission of dangerous pathogens due to the already rigorous health and safety standards and practices established for regular business. Tattoo shop owners are having trouble qualifying for any kind of financial assistance and yet are still incurring expenses such as rent and licensure. Tattoo artists and body piercers are contract workers and are experiencing similar financial difficulties obtaining financial aid, and their families are suffering from the lack of income. Tattoo and Body Art Facilities in Louisiana were effectively shut down as of March 22, 2020, by order of the Governor and have been unable to operate since. The Governor, John Bel Edward’s, is now talking about intintating Phase 1 of reopening business in Louisiana, which would not include Tattoo and Body Art Facilities, which would be allocated to Phase 3. This is a grave injustice, and seems to be arbitrary and illogical when compared to the businesses that are being reopened in Phase 1 which are not nearly as well trained nor prepared in dealing with transmission of potentially deadly pathogens. The fact is that no industry is better equipped, trained, and practiced for dealing with the current crisis or is as disproportionately affected economically. We are American citizens with rights and protections, and we should have the right to make the decision as to how to deal with the current crisis most effectively. Americans are amazing at innovation and overcoming adversity which is why we are the great nation we are. We are capable of putting our own policies and protections in place in order to protect the health and safety of our clients as well as the health and safety of the general public at large. Respect the rights of your citizens as enumerated in the Constitution and let us resume our work. Please show your support, and thank you.
Sincerely,
The Sinner’s Luck Tattoo and Piercing Crew
