Tattoo Parlor Rihanna Inked Friends At Is Fined

Updated 5:15 PM EDT, Fri, Sep 4, 2009

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The tattoo parlor in New York City where Rihanna inked several of her friends earlier this year has been fined, but not because of the pop star.

According to MTV News, East Side Ink was cited by the New York City Department of Health for "operating with an unlicensed tattoo artist on site."

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"Rihanna was not found at the parlor when the Health Department inspector followed up," the NYC Health Department said in a statement to MTV News. "The Health Department received a call about Rihanna, sent out an inspector, Rihanna was not at the site, the inspector conducted an inspection of the parlor and found an unlicensed tattoo artist operating on the premises — the Health Department issued a violation to the parlor for this unlicensed tattoo artist."

As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, in early July, authorities began investigating the parlor after RiRi was caught by the paparazzi with a tattoo instrument in her hand, reportedly inking people at the tattoo parlor.

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"Only licensed tattoo artists can administer tattoos in the city according to the City's Health Code," a NYC Department of Health spokesperson told MTV News in a statement back in July. "We are sending someone to follow up on this."

East Side Ink owner Yadira told the music channel at the time that Rihanna came to the shop with some friends and stayed for "a few hours, just hanging out and joking."

BangBang, a tattooist at the parlor, the same man who gave Rihanna her infamous gun tattoo underneath her arm earlier this year, added that he wanted the pop star to put some ink on him.

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"We had a blast," Yadira said. "It was so funny and cute."

It was unclear how much East Side Ink would be fined.

TMZ previously reported that the fine for tattooing without a license comes with penalties; $300 for the first offense, $500 for the second and $1,000 for the third.

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