Tattoo studios are allowed to open from Monday- but one Bolton artist thinks they should have opened the same time as pubs.

One tattoo artist from Bolton says it was “a little frustrating” that the Government didn't allow studios to open up and links it to the stigma surrounding them.

He has shared his lockdown experience with Bolton News.

'We’re going to be in debt when we go back'

Daniel Watson owns Vida Loca Tattoo on Bridge Street and said lockdown couldn’t have come at a worse time.

He said: “Financially, it’s been a curse because I’ve had a baby during lockdown.

“However, it also means I’ve had time to spend with her so you have to look at the positives.”



Mr Watson has helped run the business for fifteen years and said going back will be like starting all over again.

He added:“Luckily, we have a loyal client base. But financially, we are starting from scratch.

“We’re going to be in debt when we go back.”

Daniel believes tattoo studios should have been allowed to open last Saturday and thinks governing bodies should learn more about tattoo artistry and their procedures.

He said: “Tattoo parlours should be allowed to open. I think the governing bodies don’t have a clue about the industry and don’t know our procedures well enough.

“We’re already using PPE. Everything is sterilised.

“Back in the day, tattoo studios were viewed as quite ‘back street’. But the industry has come so far in 15 years.

“It’s massively safer than a lot of other places.”

However, artists like Daniel are calling for clearer guidance so he can properly budget.
He said: ”It’s impossible to budget. I originally budgeted to open for 4th of July and now I’m really eating into my savings.”

“I can’t get angry about it thought. I’m trying to stay positive and wait for a further announcement.”


Tattoo work from Daniel (Photo: Vida Loca Tattoo)

Tattoo studios have now been told they can open up from Monday (9 July).