File Photo: AFP
Kochi: With inking becoming a trend, several tattoo establishments have sprouted to life all across the state in the last few years. Further, many of these establishments have penetrated rural, city outskirts based on panchayat or corporation licenses.
It is estimated that there are more than 250 tattoo studios in Kerala. There are more than 50 parlours in Kochi alone. Due to lack of guidelines, these establishments function without any restrictions in the state.
The basic rules to follow, restrictions, working hours of staff and basic facilities to be provided for customers are still unaddressed topics in the business.
The raid conducted by the police at a tattoo studio in Kochi over the alleged sexual assault case revealed these limitations. It was found that these studios lacked adequate employees to cater to the needs of customers. Additionally, many of the studios do not have women staff. Basic facilities for women customers are also absent in these establishments.
Few female artists are in the tattoo industry. Therefore, women are forced to go to studios where men are employed as artists. The lack of hygiene and proper system to tackle this issue also exists in many studios.