Basement tattoo parlour in Calgary shut down by Alberta Health Services

Alberta Health Services environmental public health inspectors ordered the closure of a tattoo business, operating out of the basement of a Saddleridge home on May 22, 2026. (Pexels/AI25.Studio Studio)

Alberta Health Services (AHS) has ordered the closure of a home-based tattoo parlour in northeast Calgary over concerns for public safety.

Harsh Tattooz, located in the basement of 6267 Saddlehorn Drive N.E., was inspected by AHS’ environmental public health (EPH) unit on May 22.

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Officials found a variety of issues, beginning with the owner’s failure to notify AHS about its existence.

“A low-level disinfectant was not available for non-critical items such as work surfaces and the client bed. An antiseptic was not available to clean clients’ skin before performing tattoo services that involve puncturing the client’s skin,” the EPH report said.

“Soap at the handwashing sink had been diluted with water.”

Additionally, inspectors found a towel for handwashing was being used by multiple clients and personal clothing was being stored on top of that same towel, hung in the bathroom.

EPH also found there was no proper container for sharp item disposal and there was virtually no barrier protection for the handle of the tattoo machine and no barrier protection at all for a lamp used by the owner.

The owner of Harsh Tattooz was told to cease all operations, remove all advertisements of the business and properly register the business with AHS.

They were also told to acquire disinfectants, antiseptics, liquor soap and single-use towels for use in the facility. A puncture resistant container with a tight-fitting lid, for the disposal of used needles, was also required, EPH said.

Harsh Tattooz was also required to “prepare written procedures for cleansing skin, applying antiseptic, post-service care and accidental skin cuts or punctures.”