A 24-hour waiting period for guns, for abortions, for marriage licenses — those are more common. But a new proposal could make Washington, D.C., the first major American city with a one-day waiting period for tattoos.
The district's health department released 66 pages of new proposals Friday. One of those would require customers to notify a tattoo parlor one full day in advance of actually getting the body art. (Via WUSA)
The Washington Post quotes a Health Department spokeswoman who says the idea will prevent people from making decisions they might regret later — especially if they’re intoxicated.
"We're making sure when that decision is made that you're in the right frame of mind, and you don't wake up in the morning . . . saying, 'Oh my God, what happened?'" (Via The Washington Post)
As one might imagine, tattoo artists in D.C. aren’t particularly pleased with this proposal. Those quoted by local media say already they don’t allow intoxicated customers and that this policy will have a serious impact on business.
"With Virginia being 10 minutes away and Maryland being right there, who don't have these waiting periods, all it's going to do is drive business out of the city." (Via WJLA)
The proposed regulations would also ban any body art or piercings for people under 18 — aside from ear piercings. All of these ideas will need approval from the city council. (Via Washington City Paper)
Mayor Vincent Gray has expressed serious doubts about these proposals. A reporter for WJLA says the city council’s health committee chairwoman is on board with the 24-hour wait period but wants to study the issue further.
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