Tattoo, Piercing Parlor Causes Discomfort

The item stuck out on the City Council agenda like a sore thumb: “Tattoo/Body Piercing Survey Results.”

But it wasn’t a report on the number of San Fernando city employees who have pierced noses or anchors stenciled across their biceps. The subject was what, if anything, the city could do about its first tattoo parlor, Chubb’s Clothing and Record Shop, which opened about three weeks ago on Brand Boulevard.

The answer: not much. Chubb’s is playing by the rules, according to city officials, who were more concerned about other articles offered for sale in the store--including what the store’s manager called water pipes--than the tattoo and piercing services.

“They also sell paraphernalia, for pipes and things of that nature,” said Howard Miura, director of the city’s community development department.

Miura said his department was directed to find out whether any zoning ordinance or code regulates tattoo parlors or other shops selling what the city considers drug-related items.

Miura found one stipulation in Section 7B.21 of the city code regarding the display and sale of “drug-related paraphernalia.” The code calls for a sign to be visible warning that minors are legally required to be accompanied by a parent or guardian to enter the store.

“That’s right. We have that,” said the manager at Chubb’s, Nadeem Chawdhry.

Chawdhry also denied that anything for sale in the store is drug paraphernalia. “We sell water pipes intended for tobacco use,” he said, noting that the store primarily sells clothing.

Miura said his report confirms that the store properly warns minors and noted that the Police Department found the same.

“We checked all our codes and couldn’t find anything in there prohibiting these places,” he said.