Berlin officials extended the town’s tattoo moratorium for another year on Monday, citing the need for more time to address health and safety concerns.
The moratorium, initially set seven years ago, remains in place as officials work to develop regulations for potential tattoo and microblading services. The extension aims to provide sufficient time to gather necessary health and safety information.
In 2017, a request to open a microblading service in Berlin prompted the town to establish the moratorium. Mayor Zack Tyndall emphasized the town’s commitment to ensuring that any future tattoo parlors meet stringent health and safety standards.
“We are in an arts and entertainment area,” Tyndall said. “If someone chooses to make their skin their canvas, that’s their choice.” He added that tattoo businesses must comply with zoning requirements and undergo health inspections to ensure quality service.
To develop a comprehensive regulatory framework, Berlin is consulting with experts from the University of Maryland School of Law and the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. Tyndall noted that these institutions provide valuable insights from legal and health perspectives, but the process will take at least another year.
Maryland does not have state-wide tattoo regulations, unlike neighboring Virginia and Delaware. However, Worcester County requires a physician to be present at any business offering skin art. This policy does not apply within Berlin’s municipal boundaries, leaving town officials without a clear regulatory path.
To address this gap, Berlin formed a tattoo advisory committee to explore allowing non-physician-operated tattoo parlors under strict safety guidelines.
“We want proactive health and safety inspections, which are not currently mandated by the health department,” Tyndall said.
At the June 10 meeting, the town council unanimously approved the one-year extension of the tattoo moratorium to continue gathering necessary details and ensuring public safety.