Tattoo parlors barred from serving minors

Tattoo services for minors will be banned in China, according to a guideline unveiled on Monday.

The guideline — released by a high-level task force established to coordinate efforts related to the protection of minors under the State Council, China's Cabinet — aims to promote the management of tattoo work to protect minors' legal rights, according to the website of the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

The nation and all of society are responsible for helping minors understand the risks of getting tattoos, and parents and guardians should dissuade them from doing so, the guideline said.

Enterprises, organizations and individuals are banned from offering tattoo services to minors. Signs displaying the rule should be placed in prominent areas at tattoo shops. Workers should check identification if it is difficult to determine the age of their customers.

No advertisements promoting tattoos are allowed to appear at schools or in publications such as books and magazines.

Violations of the ban can be reported to civil affairs, business, health and market inspection departments. Punishments will be carried out accordingly.

The guideline took effect on Monday.