Tattoo artists in Nova Scotia would need a permit under new legislation

HALIFAX – Tattoo artists in Nova Scotia would be required to have a permit under legislation introduced today.

Health Minister Maureen MacDonald says the body art industry needs to be regulated to help protect the public from the risk of disease.

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MacDonald says the legislation would set standards for cleanliness and infection control for the body art industry.

She says the government would develop a regulatory process and technical guidelines.

The government would establish a team of three inspectors to enforce the rules at an estimated cost of $380,000.

MacDonald says it could take up to a year before the regulations are in place.