Call to ban bikie tattoo parlours
COFFS Harbour MP Andrew Fraser says the passing of a bill banning bikies from running tattoo parlours in NSW is integral to the safety of his electorate, the state and the country.
Speaking in favour of the bill, which was passed in the Lower House during last night's private members session, Mr Fraser described tattoo parlours as the "shop fronts" for underworld crime.
"This is a step in the right direction to give police the power to shut down illegitimate tattoo parlours acting as shop fronts for drug sale and distribution and money laundering," Mr Fraser said
"There are tattoo parlours out there doing the right thing but we want to make sure they are legitimate."
Under the new legislation anyone holding or applying for a licence to run a tattoo parlour and their staff will be subject to background checks.
Registered members of outlaw motorcycle gangs will not be able to apply for licence to run a business.
The bill will also give police the power to search tattoo parlours in the company of drug detection dogs without a warrant.
