Getting under the skin

At one time taboo, tattoos seem to be becoming more accepted in American society and the workplace. According to Business Insider, approximately 45 million people in the United States-or 14 percent of the population-have at least one tattoo.

As the acceptance of tattoos grows, so does the demand for them. Rawlins currently has two tattoo parlors, Twisted Delusions Ink and Brave Ink & Design.

Jeremiah Hafer, co-owner of Twisted Delusions Ink, appeared before the Rawlins City Council on September 6 to encourage an ordinance regulating tattoos and piercings.

The State of Wyoming has very few laws surrounding tattoos. In fact, the only law regarding body art simply states that minors cannot be tattooed without the approval of a parent or guardian.

"We are asking the council to look at and make regulations for tattoo and piercing in our county," said Hafer.

Operating since 2019, Hafer said Twisted Delusions Ink had been working hard to change the stigma surrounding tattoos and the tattoo industry. He told the council that, along with his business being an award-winning tattoo parlor, it was also named the third best parlor in Wyoming. Hafer said much of the work his business was doing was being undermined by people tattooing in their homes.

"We feel very strongly that this is something that we need to protect our community," said Hafer. "People that are out there doing basement tattoos, they're causing infection, can cause disease (and) they're not trained in blood borne pathogens."

According to Amanda Brown, nurse manager of Carbon County Public Health, her department can't do much to help regulate the growing industry since it takes its direction from the State of Wyoming. Brown told the Saratoga Sun she encourages those looking to open a tattoo parlor or begin tattooing to obtain training in blood borne pathogens and from OSHA. Beyond that little can be done.

Another unclear area for tattoo parlors in Wyoming is the disposal of tattoo needles, which don't have regulations around them like medical needles.

Mayor Terry Weickum told Hafer the city council was looking into an ordinance which would regulate tattoos and body piercings in Rawlins.

"I've had the Hafers show me pictures of some of the things that happen to people in their friend's basements," said Weickum. "This is a very much needed ordinance."

Citing public safety, the city council directed City Attorney Gwendolyn Wade to use ordinances from surrounding communities as a template.

"I just want to say thank you for coming forward to multiple council members and presenting this," said Ward 3 Councilmember Chris Weisenburg. "It's not every day that you have a business that wants to regulate themselves. Most people want to deregulate stuff, you guys want to regulate stuff for the health and safety of the community and I really do appreciate that."

The next meeting of the Rawlins City Council will be at 7:30 p.m. on September 20 at Rawlins City Hall (521 W. Cedar Street).