Injunction Stops State From Fining Tattoo Shops

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The state Health Department has been temporarily prohibited from fining tattoo shops for failing to have a surety bond.<br/><br/>An Oklahoma County judge Wednesday issued the temporary

Thursday, March 15th 2007, 6:31 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The state Health Department has been temporarily prohibited from fining tattoo shops for failing to have a surety bond.

An Oklahoma County judge Wednesday issued the temporary injunction after hearing from five tattoo shop owners who say they've been denied a state license because they don't have a bond.

The five say no one can explain why the bond is necessary and their attorneys say the provision is unreasonable.

The requirement is included in a state law passed by the state Legislature last year legalizing tattoo shops.

While Judge Dan Owens issued the injunction he says he won't rule on the constitutionality of the provision until May 1st.

Owens also declined to issue an injunction on a provision of the law which prohibits tattoo shops from within 1,000 feet of a park, school or church.