Please allow the safe and immediate re-opening of tattoo shops in California.

Tattoo artists are some of the few professionals that have training in the proper utilization of personal protection equipment (PPE). Our industry has set exemplary standards in regards to protecting public health. Tattooers are required to renew certifications annually in blood borne pathogens training, cross contamination awareness, disease transmission and control, and surface disinfection control. They use hospital grade surface cleaners on top of additional sterilization techniques. As such, they are more qualified in infection control than a salon, barber shop or any other business where these levels of certifications are not required.

In addition, they acquire more training and qualification than any other retail establishment that has remained open during the entire shutdown where the use of PPE and cross contamination awareness is not at our industry standard due to a lack of training in many cases. I believe that with reasonable, logical, and industry specific guidelines, they can ensure the safety of clients, coworkers and therefore our community.

May I also add, many states have already allowed tattoo studios to reopen without issue. I do not believe it is fair to keep tattoo shops locked out while people are out drinking, eating and getting their hair done. The most recent news of businesses opening is bars - and we all know alcohol impairs decision making and can loosen people's stringency for following social distancing guidelines.

Tattooers have families they support with their work and after three months of lost work and wages, we are ready to ease into resuming our craft while adhering to protocols that keep our families safe, our clients safe and most importantly our communities safe. 

Thank you.