CEDAR LAKE | The prospective owners of a proposed tattoo and piercing parlor in this lakeside community received the go-ahead last week after discussing their philosophy and plans for their body art storefront at 9720 W. 133rd Ave.

David Werley, of Cedar Lake, and Robert Bruno, of Crown Point, were granted the variance they need to open the shop after a lengthy discussion by the Cedar Lake Town Council. The town's Board of Zoning Appeals had recommended approving the variance.

Werley and Bruno appeared to impress the councilmen with the strict rules they propose. Customers younger than 18 will be required to have a notarized parental consent form. Should the parent's name be different from that of the minor, a birth certificate will be required.

"We're the only ones in the state to require a notarized form," Werley said. "It works as a deterrent."

Additionally, no minors younger than 16 will be given tattoos in keeping with the duo's personal philosophies.

All employees will be certified in specific functions as well as CPR. No tobacco products or incense will be sold. Body art items such as earrings will be available for purchase.

The men said they plan to repaint the building's exterior, plant rosebushes and, generally, make it more aesthetically pleasing.

While the zoning board's suggested provision for "positive neighbor relations" in six months is not enforceable, the council agreed to review the parlor and assess its relationships with neighboring property owners in six months.

Werley and Bruno agreed to close the shop an hour earlier -- 11 p.m. instead of midnight -- to coincide with requests from the BZA.

Councilman John Foreman, D-2nd, voiced concern that the parlor is too close to Hanover Central Junior-Senior High School.

In making his motion to grant the variance, however, Councilman Jerry Smith, D-3rd, said he felt the men had responded adequately to all of the council's questions and concerns.