HIV shock at tattoo studio
CUSTOMER IN CLAIM HE WAS TURNED AWAY
A TATTOO studio has denied refusing to ink a customer because he has HIV. Matt Charlton claims he felt “stigmatised” after being turned away by a tattoo artist at the Black Sheep Tattoo Company in C h e s t e r - l e - Street, County Durham. T h e 3 6 - y e a r - old, from P e l t o n , said he was told the stud i o couldn’t ink him because it would cost too much for “clinical disposal” of the needle.
But the studio denied refusing him a tattoo and said he was simply asked to seek the advice of his GP.
Matt, who was diagnosed with the virus two years ago, said: “I can’t believe we still get treated like this and that there is a stigma still about HIV in this day and age.”
Matt, who works at Greggs, met a tattoo artist at the studio to discuss a design for his fifth inking, which have been his first there.
He said: “I said I wanted the HIV ribbon on it. She asked who the ribbon was for and I said it was for me. First she said I needed to see the doctor about my immune system and get a note from them. “I made the appointment
and she The Black Sheep Tattoo Company in Chester-le-Street then gave me back my deposit, telling me to come back when I had my results.
“But then after I left the shop she rang me to say she had done some research and couldn’t tattoo me because it would cost too much for clinical disposal.
“They should have the same disposal procedures in place for everyone regardless of whether they have HIV or not.”
There are no documented cases of HIV transmission due to tattooing.
A statement from the Black Sheep Tattoo Company said: “In line with normal procedure, we requested that the customer seek the advice of their GP with regards to the healing process based on the information provided. We have never, and would never, refuse any customer with HIV from being tattooed in this studio and would welcome Mr Charlton back into the studio at any time.”