Local tattoo shop cited by code enforcement for reopening

Waco's Code Enforcement Department on Saturday cited a local tattoo shop for the second time after it reopened its doors on Friday in violation of an executive order in Texas that mandates all bars, gyms, tattoo shops and massage parlors remain closed as the state continues its efforts to contain the COVID-19 outbreak.

Waco police accompanied a code enforcement officer as the citation was issued to Infamous Ink for violating the shelter-in-place order.

Under the Gov. Greg Abbott's most recent order, failure to comply with an executive order issued in response to the COVID-19 outbreak is punishable by a fine of as much as $1,000.

The order originally provided for a possible jail sentence, as well, but Abbott rescinded that portion of the provision earlier this week.

Earlier Friday, a tattoo artist with the shop said the shop had no choice but to reopen.

"We at Infamous Ink have made the conscious decision that it is our time and our right to open as a business and provide for our families," tattoo artist Zac Colbert said in a Facebook live.

"We feel that our rights as Americans are being infringed upon and we no longer want to stand for that."

Earlier this week, Abbott allowed such businesses as barber shops and hair salons to reopen with restrictions.

Tattoo shops were not on the list, however.

In the Facebook video Colbert said Infamous Ink is opening "peacefully and with the highest health standards" possible while it begins taking appointments.

"We don't know how long this is going to last. We just know deep in our hearts that what we're doing is right."

The tattoo shop is in the 900 block of Lake Air Drive in Waco.