Count Angelo Elia among those who are opposed to proposed state legislation that would require tattoo parlors to obtain licenses.
Elia, who owns The Edge Tattoo and Pierce on Sullivan Avenue, said the state wasn't the entity that could regulate the industry.
Instead, Elia, who has owned The Edge for three years, said he would favor a trade group of tattoo parlors to oversee the certification process.
"The system isn't perfect, but I don't think that solves anything," Elia said. "Leave it to the shops to decide and have the clients and the market decide."
Elia said the new legislation would have the opposite effect of its intended consequence, driving less reputable tattoo artists "underground" to offer their services rather than clean things up.
The legislation, which was approved on May 9 by the House of Representatives, is currently being considered by the senate.
The bill in its current form would establish a licensing process for the 200-plus tattoo parlors in the state, and would require a first-aid, blood-borne pathogen and communicable disease course.
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