The government of Nova Scotia has announced new legislation to regulate the province's tattoo and body piercing industry.

In an effort to better protect against potential health risks linked to body art, such as Hepatitis C, establishments offering services to clients will now have to meet  standards for disease transmission and infection control.

At the moment the industry is self-regulated, but the new legislation would require  all tattoo parlours to have a permit before they can open for business.

Haligonia's Antoine Abawajy was at a press conference yesterday where Health Minister Maureen MacDonald outlined the details of the new regulation guidelines.