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To: The South Carolina State House, The South Carolina State Senate, and Governor Henry McMaster

Reform the Tattoo Laws of South Carolina

Reform the tattoo law, Section 44-34-100 sub para (E), making it unlawful to tattoo any part of the head, face or neck of another person. This is nothing more than the state legislating morality. Revise the law to allow tattoo shops in South Carolina to diversify by selling tattoo related merchandise and perform body piercings. The current restriction on tattoos and sale of related merchandise is harmful to artists and shop owners and stifles the free market spirit of South Carolina.

Why is this important?

Customers often request to get tattoos on either their neck or face. They are turned away due to the current law, which restricts tattooing these body parts. Professional tattoo artists will normally turn people away for other reasons (like aesthetics or provocative imagery) that will have repercussions on the customer later in life. These decisions should be left to the individuals, not as a matter of legal prohibition.

The sale of merchandise, any merchandise whatsoever, is also prohibited under the law. Many tattoo artists are also fine artists who produce works of art. The prohibition of sales of merchandise prevents an artist of great opportunities to sell their art. Additionally, the sale of miscellaneous merchandise will help strengthen the local economy and generate additional tax revenue for the state.

The prohibition of these small details have a big, and negative, impact on the tattoo community and the culture of the public with whom we create art.

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Updates

2022-09-17 14:50:38 -0400

1,000 signatures reached

2022-09-03 10:46:03 -0400

500 signatures reached

2021-04-26 21:47:58 -0400

100 signatures reached