AN unregistered tattooist who was operating in Ballarat has been given a 12-month good behaviour bond.
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Ballarat Magistrates Court earlier this month also ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the tattooist’s equipment but did not impose a conviction.
However, they also had to pay $2000 to Ballarat City Council for failing to register a tattoo premises.
A council spokesperson said the operation of an unregistered tattoo or body art premises was illegal.
“Tattooing and body art procedures carry an inherent risk of hepatitis, HIV and other infectious diseases. As well, nerve damage and scarring resulting from tattooing is well recognised,” the spokesperson said.
“Anybody receiving a tattoo should ensure that they are obtaining them from suitably registered premises that are meeting the relevant public health and wellbeing requirements.”
The spokesperson said council’s environmental health team monitored all tattooing and body art premises across the municipality.
They said the environmental health team had worked with Ballarat police and the Department of Health earlier this year to investigate the unregistered tattooist. Charges were then filed under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 (Vic).
“Premises are largely compliant, safely-run professional businesses. However, in cases where appropriate registration is not obtained and serious breaches are observed, appropriate enforcement mechanisms are applied in the best interest of the community to minimise the risk to public health and act as a deterrent for future offences.”
Information about unregistered and backyard tattooists and body art operations detected by the council can be obtained from the environmental health unit on 5320 5702.
fiona.henderson@fairfaxmedia.com.au