A local tattoo studio entreated city council to relook at a proposed bylaw they say could be a death knell for their business.
The City of Stratford hosted a public meeting on Monday night to get input on a proposed increase to the minimum commercial liability requirement, a jump from $2 million to $5 million.
The amendment would apply to all business license types and is being recommended by the City’s insurer.
Only one group contributed to the meeting: Charlie Whitlock and Santanna McClain of Lucky Chance Studio.
The business started in November, 2021 and, as they said in their presentation, they continue to build and improve on their practice.
This insurance increase will only make it harder for them to go forward, McClain said.
“Adding another expense to the constantly rising price of doing business could be the end of us. It's just the two of us putting all of our energy into our small shop.”
After a question from Coun. Taylor Briscoe, the business owners estimated their insurance will rise to $400 a month – if they can find a policy. It’s very difficult to get insurance for tattoo studios, Whitlock said. Additionally, after 25 years in the industry, he has never known a tattooer being sued.
Before Whitlock and McClain spoke, Karmen Krueger, director of corporate services was entreated by Coun. Bonnie Henderson to relay to the public why this increase is being recommended.
“It’s really just a matter of sharing the risk,” Krueger said. “If there’s a claim made where it names two parties or more, the deeper pockets often get attributed with most of the settlement amount … We received feedback from our insurer and also our legal counsel."
Kruger said $2 million is not an average claim anymore.
Late last year the expiry date of business licenses issued in 2022 was extended until March 31, in order for a public meeting to be held. City councillors were asked not to provide commentary or their opinions, as the meeting was just to hear public comments.
The matter will be presented to council at a later date.
