Board of Health to Revisit Tattoo Shop Fees in October
Board of Health · Meeting of September 9, 2026
Ludlow tattoo shop owners ask Board of Health to justify a $500 fee nearly triple its actual cost. Owners John of Bat Cat Tattoo, Oceana of Lara Lilith and Melissa of Antrim Cosmetic Tattooing told the board the annual body art establishment fee runs far above neighboring towns and hasn't been reviewed in about five years. A staff cost analysis put the real cost near $311.62, rounded to $320.
Board Secretary Antonio Tavares said, "I don't like the way that Ludlow is the highest one on that list." The board tabled a fee decision to its October meeting, tentatively set for October 7. Separately, the board unanimously approved a 12-chicken permit at 603 Alden Street and two septic system variances at 150 Rood Street and 524 Alden Street.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 2,203 words
Source: the Board of Health meeting of September 9, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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