Spain's tattooists on the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca fear the inking industry could collapse due to coronavirus fears

Spain’s tattooists on the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca fear the inking industry could collapse due to coronavirus fears.

TATTOOISTS fear a dramatic drop in trade due to concerns that needles might spread the disease, though the industry is regulated and artists and parlours have to be licensed.
Doc Graeme, a world famous tattooist, told Euro Weekly News, tattooing “is probably the biggest industry in the world to suffer financial loss because of the pandemic”.
He said: “I believe tattooing will still be safe after the crisis, but customers are in fear, and it’s a global concern that tattooists are in threat of shutting down.
“They are worried about needles, as well as the fact that we have to be close to a client when tattooing.”
In some areas, tattooing is tourist driven, and the closure of borders has meant a huge reduction in custom.
While other professional tattooists forced to down tools during the coronavirus pandemic are concerned those still wanting to get inked may turn to illegal “backyard” operators.
But Kyle Ramsey said he has “faith in the industry that strict controls will make sure tattooing stays safe”.
The 42-year-old said: “I had my first tattoo when I was 22 and haven’t really stopped. I get why people might be scared, it’s pretty normal.
“But if anything, the coronavirus crisis is more likely to make things like tattooing even safer than it already is. There’s bound to be even stricter regulations.”

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Tara Rippin

Tara Rippin is a reporter for Spain’s largest English-speaking newspaper, Euro Weekly News, and is responsible for the Costa Blanca region.
She has been in journalism for more than 20 years, having worked for local newspapers in the Midlands, UK, before relocating to Spain in 1990.
Since arriving, the mother-of-one has made her home on the Costa Blanca, while spending 18 months at the EWN head office in Fuengirola on the Costa del Sol.
She loves being part of a community that has a wonderful expat and Spanish mix, and strives to bring the latest and most relevant news to EWN’s loyal and valued readers.

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