Fairhope moratorium proposed for body art

FAIRHOPE, Ala. (WALA) - Last Monday, the Fairhope adjustment board voted to grant Kevin Black a business license to open a tattoo parlor.

In prior meetings , the city council has expressed some concern over the clients the business would attract.

At the city council meeting on Monday, July 23, the council discussed an ordinance that would declare a moratorium on issuing business licenses for body art and tattoo studios in the city.

That moratorium would also cover permanent makeup establishments, body piercing facilities, and adult entertainment businesses.

Members of the council and the public had differing views on the issue.

Councilwoman Debbie Quinn was in favor of the moratorium saying a six month grace period would give the council time to think and discuss what business belong downtown. 

“We would be able to sit down and work out something whether we have a finished product or not, but it would give us time to decide,” Quinn said.

Other council members said adult entertainment stores should not be grouped in the same category as body piercing and permanent make-up facilities as the ordinance proposed:

Final Adoption – An Ordinance to Protect the Health, Safety and General Welfare of the People by declaring a Moratorium on the Issuance of Business Licenses for Body Art/Tattoo Studios, Permanent Make-Up Establishments, Body Piercing Facilities, and Adult Entertainment Businesses within the Corporate Limits of the City of Fairhope, Alabama (Introduced at the July 9, 2012 City Council Meeting)

“It was poorly written and didn't express what we needed to do. We need people to look at zoning regulations about certain types of business people don't want in Fairhope,” Councilman Rick Kingrea said.

He wants input from citizens before issuing a moratorium.

"It may be a Hardees or McDonalds downtown that are inappropriate or it could be adult entertainment stores. What need to do is take the time to check and see what we want in Fairhope."

The council voted: four opposed the moratorium and one favored the ordinance.

“This is what's pressing at the moment and not doing the moratorium. I think were loosing the opportunity to look at something in depth,” Quinn said.  

She proposed creating a committee for each type of industry whether it’s adult entertainment stores, tattoo parlors, or a body piercing facility.

Council members said they are going to stay on the topic and try to create ordinances that address downtown businesses.