Tattoo much too young

1:00pm Wednesday 23rd July 2008

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Tattooists have raised fears at the number of children aged under 18 with permanent tattoos in the county.

Lee Minton, of Forever Art Tattoos, in Pembroke, and his partner Karen Burton, are concerned at the number of minors being permanently branded with tattoos, possibly by non-professional tattooists without a licence.

“There are places throughout the country who just don’t care and they will tattoo anyone. It’s not professional.”

Haverfordwest tattooist Billy Best

“It is against the law to tattoo anyone aged under 18. The tattooist can be prosecuted for actual bodily harm,” said Karen.

She continued: “Reputable studios require photo identification as proof of age, such as a driver’s licence or passport.

“No proof, no tattoo, and mum and dad saying it is OK is not acceptable.”

Simon Thomas, of Pembroke, booked himself in for a tattoo on his 18th birthday last week and told the Western Telegraph it would be ‘the first of many’.

His friend, Phil Mills, who went along to give him moral support, said he was already booked in for his 18th birthday in August.

Haverfordwest tattooist Billy Best agreed there are problems with under-age children getting tattoos and says he is careful to check his younger customers have genuine identification.

He added: “There are places throughout the country who just don’t care and they will tattoo anyone. It’s not professional.”

A Pembrokeshire County Council spokesman said: “All tattoo parlours and shops in Pembrokeshire are registered with the council and have been provided with permits.

“The licensing department asks all tattooing businesses to check the age of their customers carefully.

“The council has received complaints that children under 18 have been tattooed, which is an offence under the Tattooing of Minors Act. Such a matter is referred to and dealt with by police.”

She added: “It is important to note that individuals may also be providing a tattoo service, without using premises, in which case the council may not be aware of their activities.”