Suffolk tattoo artist raises concerns over calls for mandatory DBS checks in England
The petition argues the move would prevent individuals with violent or sexual criminal histories from working closely with clients.
A tattoo artist in Ipswich has raised concerns about a petition calling for mandatory criminal record checks for all licensed tattoo artists in England, warning it could unfairly target the industry without guaranteeing public safety.
The petition is urging the government to introduce compulsory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for tattoo artists, arguing that the move would prevent individuals with violent or sexual criminal histories from working closely with clients. Campaigners point to Wales, where mandatory checks are already in place, as evidence that the approach works.
However, Paul Stansby, a tattoo artist at Lucky 13 Tattoo, said while he understood the need to protect the public, he believed DBS checks were not a fail-safe solution.
“I understand why you’d want to protect the public,” he said. “But there are people in powerful positions who have passed DBS checks and are later found to have committed offences.”
Mr Stansby argued that the tattoo industry was being unfairly singled out, despite becoming increasingly mainstream.
“Tattooing is now a household thing. It’s not what it was years ago, when it was linked to criminality. Grandmas and grandads are getting tattoos now, it’s art,” he said.
He said he believed the proposed checks risked “slandering” an industry that had worked hard to professionalise itself, adding that many studios already operate strict safety measures.
Mr Stansby also questioned how information would be recorded and used if DBS checks became mandatory, particularly in cases where someone is arrested but not charged.
He said there were existing databases for sexual offences and argued that names should only appear following a conviction, not an arrest, stressing the principle of innocence until proven guilty. He warned that reputational damage could occur even if allegations were later shown to be unfounded.
Instead of mandatory DBS checks, Mr Stansby said greater emphasis should be placed on transparency, professionalism and personal safety measures within studios.
“If you’re worried about going to a studio, don’t walk into one you don’t know,” he said. “Use social media, look at feedback, word of mouth — and take someone with you.”
He added that most clients already attend appointments with a friend and said studios could further protect both artists and clients by installing cameras and maintaining open working spaces.
“My studio is fully covered by cameras. It’s open plan — no private rooms — and there’s always someone else there,” he said. “That protects the artist as well as the client.”
The petition’s organisers argue that tattooing involves close, sometimes private contact with clients, including vulnerable people, and say current licensing arrangements do not require checks on criminal history. They say introducing DBS checks in England would increase accountability, prevent harm and restore public confidence in the industry.
The government has not yet responded to the petition.