Red Tape Threatens Oklahoma's Tattoo Parlors

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Tattoo parlors are now legal in Oklahoma, but many of them are drowning in bureaucratic red tape.<br/><br/>Industry officials say Oklahoma's law is so restrictive that many parlors

Monday, February 19th 2007, 12:56 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Tattoo parlors are now legal in Oklahoma, but many of them are drowning in bureaucratic red tape.

Industry officials say Oklahoma's law is so restrictive that many parlors will have to shut down.

Attorney Jaye Mendros says a lawsuit has been filed in Oklahoma County challenging a law that requires a $100,000 surety bond for tattoo parlors.

Mendros also says it's unfair that tattoo parlors must be located 1,000 feet from schools, churches and playgrounds.

A hearing on the lawsuit has been set for March 14th.

Oklahoma was the last state in the country to legalize tattooing when it passed a measure last year to end the ban.