Tattoo You

[Michael Deneen]

I'm sure this has been brought up before, but I don't remember any specific discussion.

Isn't it time to legalize tattoo parlors in Lakewood?

The prohibition against these places dates back to the 1950s, when only drunken sailors and biker gangs got tattoos.
Nowadays, they are considered normal by everyone under 30.

Our town prides itself on being hip and cool.
Our "Bar and Restaurant" economy is largely geared toward twentysomethings, as are many of our apartment rentals.

The tattoo industry could put at least two successful businesses in town, helping to fill our retail space.
What exactly is the downside?

[marklingm]

It is a booming business, Mike.

There are lots of articles on tattoo economics.

Here is what a fast Google search found: http://theweek.com/article/index/233633/the-tattoo-economy-by-the-numbers.

I'm not sure how the elite in the 'Wood will embrace folks with tattoos.

But, U.S. Senator Rand Paul did say that:

We need to have people with ties and without ties, with tattoos and without tattoos, with earrings without earrings.

Matt

[Jim O'Bryan]

Mike

I pointed this out a couple weeks or months ago-- along with the fact that two of the most
successful tattoo parlors in the area are owned by Lakewoodites.

But why bring in tattoo parlors, when there is so much less you can do?

Besides you're selling our "planning department" short. Maybe they just have seen a good plan for a tattoo parlor they can get behind.

You know something like a business plan they can understand and agree with...


Business Plan:
Tattoos for people that cannot afford them.
Built on the corner of a nice quiet neighborhood, making sure entrance is on a side street.
Special trucks unloading ink and clients at all hours.
Bright signage on side street that can been seen from end of normally quiet street.
Street Car design with parking lot twice as big as needed, and lit 24 hours a day.
A willingness to sit down with residents at least once for 10 minutes, after the deal is signed,
to make them think City Hall cares.
National Chain with that "local feel" that "cares deeply about the locals."
It is better if they compete with at least 1 or 2 locally owned successful businesses.
Loudest features near residents.
A promise to apply for food and liquor permits so they can serve some form of "ground beef" and "craft beers."
A plan to enlarge into neighborhoods.
And the same general dislike/distrust of residents shared by City Hall and planning department.



It is all in making sure the Planning Department has something they agree with and can
pretend they actually planned, and take credit for.

.

[Michael Deneen]

Jim-- Do you know if those parlor owners (or any others) have approached city hall about bringing business to Lakewood?

If so, who did they speak to, and what was the response?

[Jim O'Bryan]

Jim-- Do you know if those parlor owners (or any others) have approached city hall about bringing business to Lakewood?

If so, who did they speak to, and what was the response?

Mike

Now this was at least one regime ago, maybe more.

Was talking with Natalie Rolle(?) owner of Vodoo Monkey up at Bela Dubby now Taco Tontos about
tattoos, the business and her art. She is a very talented artist.

I remember the conversation being, she had looked in and asked about it, but the restrictions, which
I believe involve a licensed doctor/nurse on premise made it a pain in the but.

Vooddoo monkey tatts 1/8 of Cleveland, 252 tattoos , sponsor of the car show another 1/8, put them
two blocks apart, and watch the two blocks between fill up with something.

.