The goal of a city commerce should be to provide for a well-developed and expansive local economy, catering to as many residents as possible and attempting to bring shoppers in from other communities.

So why has the council denied a lucrative opportunity to the city for 18 years? It’s time for the council to encourage – not deny – an opportunity for business owners looking to bring tattooing services to the city.

DeKalb’s commerce sector features a wide range of diverse businesses that, overall, serve the community well. DeKalb has different restaurants, bars, and specialty and discount shops available within walking distance for students and community members.

The DeKalb City Council has been addressing the possibility of removing the 18-year ban on tattoo parlors in the city throughout the summer and has been met with a relatively positive response from both residents and downtown business owners.

The question isn’t “Are tattoo parlors appropriate for downtown DeKalb?” What should be asked is “Why has DeKalb gone so long without including the opportunity for more revenue?”

Tattoos have become a social norm. They peek from below shirtsleeves of students in class, hide under three-piece suits of businessmen in corporate meetings and have become a permanent accessory for many.

Tattoos aren’t taboo anymore.

Tattoo popularity isn’t a recent development, and the more popular it becomes, the more it seems a waste of an otherwise successful economy to not take advantage of the opportunity.
DeKalb should be encouraging the establishment of tattoo parlors in the city, not banishing them to other towns.

We’ve been missing out on the opportunity for consumers to patronize and become loyal customers to a tattoo business in DeKalb. The city shouldn’t wait any longer to expand its commerce to serve this diverse town.

The addition of a new establishment to the local economy that will draw more business is long overdue, and like the impression made by tattoos, the positive impact will be permanent.

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