DeKALB | Those interested in getting tattoos in DeKalb have been forced to travel out of town.

The DeKalb ruling passed in 1991 prohibits tattooing under chapter 11.04 of the municipal code — the city’s health regulation chapter.

Anyone giving tattoos can be charged a $100 to $500 fine.

DeKalb does not seem to be in any hurry to change the prohibition.

“We have not received any want from purveyors of the service to open any of these shops in DeKalb,” said Biernacki.

Proton Studio, the closest tattoo parlor to DeKalb, is in neighboring Cortland.

“DeKalb makes up about 80 percent of what we do,” said Chris May, co-owner of Proton Studio.

Outside of the greater DeKalb area, the closest tattoo parlor is Skin Deep Tattoo and Piercing in Hinckley, more than 15 miles away.

“We’re the only place in the area,” said May, “I don’t think there is a big need for more than we offer.”

This law has kept tattoo parlors from opening for 15 years, but the city still allows piercing.

“Personally, I believe DeKalb did that to protect the public,” said Kenny Weinstock, owner of Out On A Whim, 127 E. Lincoln Highway.

“DeKalb doesn’t generate money off of piercing or tattoos,” said Weinstock. “They charge a tax on retail sales but not on services.”

The last attempt to open a tattoo parlor in DeKalb was in 1991 by Craig Murphy, owner of Skin of a Different Color in Aurora. DeKalb stopped Murphy’s attempt after allegations that he gave tattoos to minors.

These sorts of incidents help to strengthen DeKalb’s opposition to allowing tattoo parlors to open.

“It’s a safe bet,” Weinstock said. “Illinois needs regulations on piercing and tattoos.”