Tattoo Parlour Set To Open on Duval.

I just got a message on myspace, from someone I don't know. The message was letting know that a new tattoo shop is opening on Duval Street.

Bloody hell whatever next ;)

Tattoo shop owners challenge Key West ban
Keysnews.com

BY MANDY BOLEN
Citizen Staff KEY WEST —

The owners of a would-be tattoo shop on Duval Street filed a lawsuit last week against the city of Key West, calling the city's ban on tattoo parlors unconstitutional. Jim McAlhany, who is opening Key West Ink in the 700 block of Duval Street, said he has been working to have the city's ban overturned since October. "We're going to see what the judge says, but Key West is the last city in Florida to prohibit tattooing," McAlhany said on Friday. "I think the city has 20 days to respond." The lawsuit, filed Wednesday, states that "a complete ban on the artistic expression of tattooing is unconstitutional and violates the First Amendment ..." Attorney Wayne Larue Smith argues that the Key West City Commission, in a public meeting on July 18, 2006, acknowledged that tattooing is a form of expression protected by the First Amendment and stated that the ban does not serve a compelling government interest. The lawsuit acknowledges that the initial ban, enacted in 1966, may have been intended to protect the health and safety of Navy personnel and the general public. "However, the state of Florida already requires medical precautions be taken before a tattoo artist may apply his art on another person," the lawsuit states. "Those procedures are widely accepted and effective. Therefore, a complete ban on tattooing is excessive, arbitrary and is no longer reasonably related to meet its intended purpose." City Commissioner Bill Verge said on Friday that he had heard the lawsuit had been filed and said that in his opinion, the city is unlikely to prevail in maintaining its ban on the tattoo parlors. Verge has been polling his constituents about their opinions on tattoo parlors for the past several months and said an overwhelming majority are opposed to tattoo parlors on Duval Street. "I think the city's going to have to make some provisions, but if it comes to a commission vote, I'll have to vote based on my constituency," Verge said. "They put me there to pull the lever for them." City Attorney Shawn Smith could not be reached for immediate comment late Friday. mbolen@keysnews.com

So anyway, this I find fascinating.. they have allowed the Israelis to sell their insanely offensive t shirts for years, but banned legitimate business's from opening.

All thats left now, is to lift the ban on alcohol sales before 12 noon on Sundays and we will almost be the tourist trap nightmare we are trying desperately to be! Woooot!

Her is the link to the website.

Key West Ink

I know where I'm getting my next one done. Check out the pix of the new shop, not quite sure why Inga is there, girlfriend ain't got no ink that I've noticed ;)