SAN FRANCISCO — A federal appeals court has struck down a Southern California city’s ban on tattoo parlors, saying they’re protected by free speech rights.
Thursday’s ruling by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is the highest court ruling so far addressing tattoos and First Amendment guarantees.
The San Francisco-based appeals court overturned a lower court ruling upholding Hermosa Beach’s ban. The city had banned the businesses, arguing that they are a risk to public health and safety.
Johnny Anderson, who owns a tattoo parlor in Gardena, sued the city after being denied a business license to open an outlet in the upscale beach town.
The court says the ban is an unconstitutional overreaction to the health concerns, which can be addressed through regulations to ensure sanitation.
