'Parlor ordinance' to regulate tattooing, piercing

CEBU, Philippines - A group of tattoo artists in Cebu yesterday expressed support to the proposed ordinance that would require barber shops, beauty salons and tattoo/piercing parlors to use disposable and sterilized instruments on their customers to prevent possible spread of diseases.

In a public hearing on the proposed measure held at the Vice Governor’s conference room yesterday, Cebu Tattoo Club president, Mr. Ronnie Macapagal, acknowledged the need to pass the proposed ordinance.

Macapagal explained that the proposal is important to control and regulate the practice of tattooing and piercing because once passed into law, it would require beauty parlors and barbershops to follow the health standards.

Aside from representatives from the tattoo business, salon operators and barber shop owners, and representatives from local government units also attended the public hearing of the proposed ordinance of 6th District Board Member Arleigh Jay C. Sitoy.

The proposed ordinance, entitled “Ordinance Requiring Barber Shops, Beauty Salons and Tattoo/Piercing Parlors to Utilize Disposable and Unused or Sterilized Instruments on Each Customer for Shaving, Nail Clipping, Cuticle Removal, Tattooing, Body Piercing and Other Similar Services,” aims to promote the health, safety and welfare of personal care providers’ customers.

Sitoy said that once passed, the ordinance will help eradicate unhealthy practices that may cause the transmission of blood-borne diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.

It also mandates the Integrated Provincial Health Office or IPHO to conduct regular inspections on barber shops, beauty salons and tattoo/piercing parlors within Cebu province.

The proposed ordinance said the regulation may be implemented in the form of accreditation, permit or certification.

Department of Health Medical Specialist, Dr. Jonathan Neil Erasmo, said so far they have not received report on cases of HIV/AIDS transmission caused by body piercing and tattooing. He added there is only a “theoretical risk in this matter.” But he said there are cases of HIV transmission through dental extraction.

Sitoy said that there must also be an intensified information drive regarding the Code of Sanitation of the Philippines, adding his office is even willing to extend help to the DOH for the campaign. (FREEMAN)