SA tattoo parlour laws target crime gangs

Members of bikie gangs will be banned from running tattoo parlours in South Australia under new laws to stop parlours being used as a front for organised crime.

Attorney-General John Rau said the new measures, introduced in state parliament on Thursday, include mandatory reporting requirements and new offences specific to the industry.

"This new scheme aims to stamp out dodgy characters who use tattoo parlours as a front for illegal activity and organised crime," he said.

As well as banning members of outlawed gangs from running parlours, the legislation will also ban associates of gang members, and force parlours to provide regular details of their business activity.

Anyone who flouts the laws faces a jail term of up to four years.

Mr Rau said the new laws would not target reputable tattoo businesses.