Legalize tattooing in Jersey City, NJ

Dear Mayor Cunningham and Members of City Council:

It has come to my attention that practice of the art of Tattooing is not permitted in the City of
Jersey City pursuant to Municipal Code 182-27, which simply states:

"182-27 Tattooing Prohibited. No person shall perform tattooing of human beings within the City of Jersey City."

This ban is based on ideas that are outmoded and antiquated. This law protects no one, violates our right to Freedom of Expression as guaranteed by the First Amendment, and in fact
does not prevent tattooing from happening in Jersey City, but merely forces it underground, where unsafe and unskilled practitioners may proceed as they will.

In 2001 the State of New Jersey put forth detailed guidelines for safe tattooing, and held three one day training workshops for working tattoo artists to attend. I am requesting that these same guidelines be applied in the City of Jersey City, that the law regarding tattooing be changed, and that tattooing become a safe and legal practice here in our town.

Furthermore, a skilled and widely recognized tattoo artist or shop brings people in from all over the country and even the world, who will visit Jersey City, eat at the restaurants, spend money, and visit historical places of interest. Legalization of Tattooing will become one more reason why Jersey City is no longer a place to merely pass through quickly while going to or returning from New York City.