Tattoo rules draw sharp opinions

Before the law took effect Thursday, the state did not require licensing of tattoo artists and body piercers, said Christine Anthony, spokeswoman for the state Department of Licensing. Two longtime operators of businesses that offer tattoos and body piercing differed on whether licensing is needed. Ray Figueroa, also known as Captain Lu, described himself as the silent partner in Altered States, a 13-year-old tattoo and body piercing business in downtown Olympia. Amanda Knight, a new tattoo artist at Altered States, wishes the state had followed a knowledge-based requirement, making artists or body piercers take a test to receive a permit rather than pay an annual fee. Under the new law, tattoo artists and body piercers will have to pay a $250 annual license fee, and the businesses will pay a $300 annual fee in addition to regular business licensing requirements.