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Date: 11/20/2023
AMHERST — A Nov. 9 public hearing by the Board of Health explored proposed changes to the town’s body art regulations. The hearing preceded the regular board meeting which also addressed the proposed revisions to the rules in place for artists and establishments currently operating within Amherst.
Among the proposed changes to the town’s body art regulations, an increased variety of piercing sites on the body beyond those currently permitted and allowing qualified guest artists to operate within the town for up to 30 days under the oversight of a currently licensed practitioner.
Stephen Lambert, owner of Wanderlust Tattoo at 71 North Pleasant St. addressed board members at the hearing, inquiring about some of the existing regulations that are not among the proposed changes.
Among those current regulations not subject to change at present include the requirement of a high school diploma or GED, the disclosure of a criminal record, specific medical conditions and restrictions against open concept business floor plans as opposed to a stall or cubicle setting for tattooing and piercing establishments.
Lambert noted that Wanderlust is the only tattoo and piercing parlor currently operating within Amherst.
“I’m the only person tattooing in this town, “he said.” We’re the only shop now but I would like to set a precedent so that it’s easier for others to come into this town and for businesses to flourish.”
The board also discussed codifying body artist apprentice programming and licensing within the town as well as clarifying training requirements for those seeking operating approval.
Lambert, who hopes to have at least some of those restrictions also loosened, spoke to the difficulty involved in operating a body art establishment in Amherst as opposed to neighboring or nearby municipalities.
“I’ve seen a lot of shops come and I’ve seen a lot close down,” he said. “I’m the only one that’s been able to last because we haven’t been able to get artists to come in and stay because regulations were so stringent in many ways.”
Lambert explained that there has been difficultly in hiring new artists because it was easier for those artists to operate and flourish in other areas with fewer restrictions.
Board member Maureen Millea said the suggestions for change were taken from what other towns were doing.
“Our [proposed] changes were really based on very local regulations that were from Northampton, Easthampton and some from Boston,” she said.
Millea also noted that some current Amherst regulations particularly regarding piercing are restrictive in comparison to other towns but mirror those from Northampton and Easthampton.
Board members further explored the current level of restrictions and requirements governing the use of gloves, declaration of HIV and Hepatitis-C status and the length of apprenticeship programs.
Currently, the state of Massachusetts does not regulate the operation of body art establishments, leaving the responsibility to local government.
Millea said the review of the current versus the proposed rule changes offered a positive move forward.
“I think this broadens our field immensely compared to the previous regulations,” she said but there is additional research and discussion ahead.
“We have a little more homework to do,” Millea said.
In follow up, Public Health Director Kiko Malin said being consistent with current standards is important.
“We want to make that our regulations are keeping pace with the times and there is a concerted effort to be reviewing them and making updates as needed,” she said.
Lambert, who has been in business since 2015, said the review is a good step.
“The town is moving in a positive manner, like updating everything” he said. “But like with anything there’s just give and take.”
The board will conduct further review of the current regulations as well as the proposed changes before any updates are adopted.