S.C. tattoo law could change

Anyone between the ages of 18 and 20 must have parental consent before getting a tattoo under state law, but that could change soon.

A new bill would allow anyone 18 or older to get a tattoo without parental consent.

Ester Rembert, a Lake City parent, said she’d have to problem with that change.

“Well I think they should be able to, most of them I think get them without guidance,” he said. “I don’t see any problem with it.”

Other parents said they disagree because tattoos are permanent.

“Well 18-year-olds are old enough to make their own choices, but yes I think a lot of times they will make some choices that they regret later on,” said Sharon Hamilton, a North Carolina parent who was in Florence on Thursday afternoon.

Staff at tattoo parlors like Imperial Ink in Florence said they lose business often because most of the people who come in for a tattoo are under the age of 21.

“A lot of people don’t realize it, that it’s between 18 and 20 that you have to have parental consent,” tattoo artist Timothy Farmer said. “That makes it a problem for those that are adopted, remarried, or their parents live out of state.”

Some state leaders are backing the bill that would eliminate the need for a parent’s approval.

If it passes, Farmer said, young adults could then legally get their tattoo art in a guaranteed safe environment.

“I definitely think it could be a plus that it’s going to keep things safer on this side of the state,” he said.

The bill is headed to the full Senate Medical Affairs Committee for consideration.