§ 15.2-912 Regulation of tattoo parlors, body-piercing salons, and ear-piercing salons; definitions; exception
A. Any locality may by ordinance regulate the sanitary condition of the personnel, equipment, and premises of tattoo parlors, body-piercing salons, and ear-piercing salons and specify procedures for enforcement of compliance with the disease control and disclosure requirements of § 18.2-371.3.
B. For the purposes of this section: “Body-piercing salon” means any place in which a fee is charged for the act of penetrating the skin to make a hole, mark, or scar, generally permanent in nature. “Ear-piercing salon” means any place in which a fee is charged for the act of penetrating the ear by the aid of needles or any other instrument designed to touch or puncture the skin. “Ear-piercing salon” does not include the use of a mechanized, pre-sterilized ear-piercing system. “Tattoo parlor” means any place in which is offered or practiced the placing of designs, letters, scrolls, figures, symbols or any other marks upon or under the skin of any person with ink or any other substance, resulting in the permanent coloration of the skin, including permanent make-up or permanent jewelry, by the aid of needles or any other instrument designed to touch or puncture the skin.
C. This section shall not apply to medical doctors, veterinarians, registered nurses, or any other medical services personnel licensed pursuant to Title 54.1 in the performance of their professional duties.
D. Localities requiring regulation of tattoo parlors, body-piercing salons, or ear-piercing salons by ordinance shall include in such ordinance authorization for unannounced inspections by appropriate personnel of the locality.
History
This law was first created in 1983. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 429 of that year’s edition of “Acts of Assembly,” the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1983 “Acts” aren’t available online. It has been modified 3 times. Those modifications are cataloged by “The Acts of Assembly,” a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly’s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 2000, chapter 842; in 2001, chapter 270; in 2025, chapters 308 and 322.
1983, c. 429, § 15.1-28.3; 1997, c.; 2000, c. 842; 2001, c. 270; 2025, cc. 308, 322.