City tells couple no ink in Aiken

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By Arielle Clay aclay@nbcaugusta.com

Story Published: Nov 10, 2009 at 7:36 PM EDT

Story Updated: Nov 10, 2009 at 7:36 PM EDT

AIKEN, S.C. - An Aiken couple wants to bring a tattoo parlor to the county after the city told them no way!

Julian McClain and his fiancee’s request to change zoning rules that would allow them to open a tattoo parlor was denied by city council Monday night.

The council said no because they felt the city is not ready for a tattoo parlor and the clientele it attracts. One member suggested a shop would discourage other businesses from opening nearby.

But McClain says the stereotype surrounding tattoos is changing and he hopes the area will too.

“Twenty years ago it was associated with bikers, tough guys, riff raff, but today in our market 25 percent of people in the U.S. have tattoos,” McClain said.

"I'm sure the stereotype had a lot to do with it listening to the comments 'there are businesses we want to attract and businesses we are not ready for',” city councilman, Dick Dewar, said.

McClain will head to Aiken County Council next Tuesday. Right now the county has no zoning in place for tattoo parlors. No zoning means they are not allowed because there is no regulation.

There is a tattoo parlor in Windsor. The town of Windsor, not Aiken County, approved that shop.

 


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Wednesday, Nov 11 at 10:36 AM Seriously? wrote ...

"the city is not ready for a tattoo parlor and the clientele it attracts" What type of clientele would that be? People who work for their money and choose to spend some of it on art? SC needs to move into the 21st century. The city is more than ready for it.. or at least the PEOPLE that live in it are. Otherwise, you wouldn't have SO many from SC heading over into Augusta to get a tattoo!!

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Wednesday, Nov 11 at 10:30 AM thetruthisouthere wrote ...

no tattoo parlors but they allow pay-day lending stores. I'd rather hang out with a tattoo artists than those bloodsuckers anyday.

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Wednesday, Nov 11 at 7:03 AM Angel wrote ...

I feel that if they are a professional,sterilized, controlled environment,give the people a chance to express in a positive way instead of grafitti and such violent things going on in this day and time.

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Tuesday, Nov 10 at 8:26 PM I have two tattoos and I am not a trashy person. wrote ...

I think we spend too much time judging others. There is nothing wrong with a tattoo parlor, I mean if it doesnt have anything to do with a horse they dont want it.

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Tuesday, Nov 10 at 8:21 PM blah wrote ...

i agree this is crazy aiken is not ready for a tattoo shop but more bars and clubs are ok this is stupid

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