Pearland Approves Tattoo Shop, Adds a Rule It Didn't Need

Pearland Approves Tattoo Shop, Adds a Rule It Didn't NeedThe Pearland City Council has approved a new tattoo studio, but with an unusual condition: the shop is not allowed to offer body piercings. That's a service the owners never planned to provide. Founder Alexa Loch and her business partner, Wade Ni, plan to open Lexury Tattoos at 1331 E. Broadway St., Suite L. The studio will work by appointment only and expect to see no more than three clients a day. At the council meeting on Monday, Oct. 12, the pair asked for a special permit to open the shop. Ni told council members they understood tattoos can be a sensitive topic and promised a quiet, controlled environment with no piercing services.During the discussion, Council Member Clint Byrom pointed out that the application already said the shop would not do piercings. He asked whether that promise should be turned into an official rule. The city's attorney, Lawrence Provins, explained that the only way to guarantee it was to make it a condition of the permit. Ni said the owners were happy to agree, since they don't have a piercing artist and don't plan to hire one. The council added the rule and approved the permit unanimously. On Wednesday, the city confirmed that no city law or policy required the restriction and that the council added it on its own.Even with the extra rule, the shop received plenty of support. Byrom thanked the owners for recognizing the stigma tattoo parlors sometimes face and for planning a business that would be a good neighbor in the community. Council Member Rick Fernandez praised Loch's passion and hard work and thanked the owners for choosing Pearland. Two residents also spoke in favor of the studio. Randy Beaman said he had no problem with tattoo shops in the city and was impressed by the owners' sincerity. Bill Herd said tattoos can be a meaningful way for people to express their life stories and argued the young artists deserved a chance.Pearlanders may view the artist's portfolio on the website lexurytattoos . com