By Julian Wright, Midland-Kalamunda Reporter
HIGH Wycombe tattoo parlour owners have hit back at claims the business could cause harm to youngsters because of its proximity to a primary school.
Member for Forrestfield Andrew Waddell had urged the Shire of Kalamunda to create a by-law to prevent similar shops from locating within 500m of a school after the parlour opened on Newburn Road, across the street from High Wycombe Primary School.
Business partners Mark Vincent and Serena Green said the feedback they had received since opening their doors had been positive.
“I don’t think there is any issue here – no one under 18 can get a tattoo anyway,” Mr Vincent said.
“People have been rapt that we opened.”
Mr Vincent, a High Wycombe family man with four children, said Mr Waddell should be supportive of the business, as it gave residents career opportunities.
“I have an 18-year-old High Wycombe girl doing her apprenticeship with me,” he said.
The tattoo business has also taken on a work experience student from Maida Vale. Ms Green, who has worked in the tattoo industry for almost four years, said she knew there would be some backlash but it came with the territory.
“Tattoos are more accepted these days but there are some groups in society that are still wary,” she said.
Mr Vincent said the location of the parlour was chosen for business purposes.
“We tried to secure a space on Kalamunda Road but it did not work out,” he said.
“This spot was the only other space available and it has plenty of foot traffic from other businesses around us.”