Friday, June 15, 2007 - Another law taking effect in New Mexico will require tattoo and piercing shops in the state to be licensed.

Before today, New Mexico was one of two states in the U.S. that did not require tattoo shops to be licensed.

Many shops have been following safe practices, but after today, customers can have no doubt the needles are sterile and that they haven't been used on anyone else.

Under the new law, shops will be required to use pre-packaged needles, sterile tubes and artists must always were protective gloves.

It's a step one Las Cruces tattoo artist says will not only protect customers, but themselves.

A spokesman for the New Mexico Department of Health says the law will help prevent the spread of blood borne diseases like HIV and Hepatitis C.

The Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists will be issuing the licenses and will conduct the annual inspections.