Westminster, MD (WJZ) ― Quaint and cozy is how Westminster describes its historic Main Street. Now, as WJZ’s Gigi Barnett reports, tattoo parlors that want to set up shop may be banned soon.

Westminster’s Main Street could be a slice of Americana. It has family-owned shops, small stores and beauty boutiques all open for business, but the one shop the town council wants to ban are tattoo parlors.

“I just wish they would see that it’s not going to be a bad thing. At least give it a shot,” said Jason Nightingale.Nightingale owns Tiki Tattoo. He’s fought the ban on downtown tattoo shops since it was first proposed.”They’re saying that we should be happy with the point that we’re allowed in 70% of the city limits, but 70% of the city limits are areas like high-dollar rent, shopping centers and malls. Downtown offers more affordable rent,” he said.Tattoo shop owners say the image of body art is changing.

More people are getting tattoos and that could draw more money to Main Street.”Times change and perceptions chnage. Once it gets to the masses, everyone decides it’s okay,” Nightingale said.”I think they should allow it. I’m coming to spend money in the town,” said Chris Gernand.The town council’s ordinance would ban any new parlors from setting up shop on Main Street. All of the existing ones would be grandfathered in. The town council says tattoo parlors just don’t fit the image of Main Street.”Restaurants and small shops.

That’s really the core of what we’re looking for,” said Westminster Town Councilmember Greg Pecoraro.But town councilmembers like Pecoraro who talked to Eyewitness News by phone say they have the backing of many people who don’t want tattoo shops on Main Street.”Most of the people who’ve contacted me who live in the city seem to think we’re doing the right thing,” Pecoraro said.The Westminster town council takes a vote on the tattoo issue on Feb. 12.

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