Body Artists: Farmingdale Tattoo Parlor Ban Sad, Insulting

FARMINGDALE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Some body artists are feeling insulted by the village of Farmingdale's decision to ban tattoo parlors from its downtown streets.

"We're not out there racing motorcycles or smashing beer bottles," Dan Lavery, who runs Liberty Tattoo in Smithtown, told WCBS 880 Long Island Bureau Chief Mike Xirinachs. "We're regular people. We're just trying to make a living. I just think it's a shame."

Lavery points out that today's tattoo customers come from all walks of life. He said he's inked doctors, nurses, teachers, judges and returning soldiers.

Farmingdale Mayor Ralph Ekstrand said tattoo parlors just aren't part of the new downtown master plan.

That's sad, Lavery said.

"At the end of the day, I think it just shows ignorance," he said.

"It'll just hurt them in the long run, especially if they want to bring young people into the community," Lavery added.