HURRICANE — In their last meeting, members of the Hurricane City Council voted to add tattoo shops to businesses requiring background checks.
The City Council originally tabled an item discussed July 18 regarding updates to business license regulations that would require background checks for those working in firearm, massage therapist, vacation rental and tattoo shop businesses.
On Aug. 1, Hurricane City recorder Cindy Beteag told the council her research showed that city officials in LaVerkin conduct background checks on all businesses, while St. George mandates background checks for solicitors, alcohol-related businesses and those managing or handling children.
Cedar City recorder Renon Savage told St. George News that while tattoo shops are not required to submit to a background check in that municipality for a business license, there is a provision for all businesses where city leaders may question the applicant if deemed necessary.
“At the time of application information, relative to type and location of previous business experience, moral character and reputation, felony or misdemeanor convictions if any, and such information as may be reasonably required,” according to Cedar City Municipal Code 23-6.
Beteag said the state of Utah does its own background checks for firearm businesses and massage therapy. In terms of monetary cost, Beteag said the city pays a company a flat fee for unlimited checks each year.
According to the Hurricane City Council packet, the Department of Professional Licensing conducts background checks on massage therapists, the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services on all liquor license applicants and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms requires background checks for all firearms-related businesses.
On Aug. 1, the Hurricane City Council voted in favor of mandatory background checks for tattoo artists and any business dealing with children in Hurricane, Utah, July 18, 2024 | Photo by Haven Scott, St. George News
Considering those facts, many on the council voiced their opinion they were in favor of less government overreach.
“I am in favor of less — less government than more, ” Councilman Kevin Thomas said in the Aug. 1 meeting.
At the end of the discussion, the council voted on an ordinance option to exclude firearm-related and massage therapist businesses from consideration for background checks.
The remaining changes to business license requirements were then voted on and unanimously approved.
In the section of Hurricane City business license requirements regarding “investigation of applicants,” rules regarding authority and renewal by the chief of police and fire chief have been updated to include background checks for body artists, as well as any tattoo shop employees within city limits.
“An investigation, including an annual criminal background check, will be mandatory for any of the following businesses and their employees: tattoo artists, any business dealing with minor children or entry to a private residence,” according to Hurricane City Code Title 3-1-3.
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