Tattoos are one of the latest fashions and local businesses are cashing in on the fad.

And 2003 Tat 2, on Court Street, and the London Beauty Clinic on King Street are the only licensed tattooists benefiting from the craze.

Bermudian tattoo technician Anthony "Chucky'' Vickers from 2003 said tattoos have become more and more popular in the past three years.

He added: "People get them everywhere. A lot of women are getting them on their shoulder or their chest.

"More women are getting tattoos right now. It's like a beauty mark for a woman.'' Store manager Larry Burgess said: "This year sales for tattoos have gone up about 25 percent from last year.'' And 2003's Cup Match special -- which offered a 20 percent discount on prices -- has doubled the demand.

Mr. Vickers, who learned his trade in Philadelphia, said: "People in Bermuda always want to get tattoos in the summer so they can show them off even though it makes more sense to get them in the winter when they can heal and not get so much direct sunlight.'' The London Beauty Clinic, owned by Mitra Johnston, has been tattooing and piercing for ten years.

And they are bringing in two new tattoo artists from London to meet their demands.

Mrs. Johnston said: "I think it has become more popular in the last little while.'' Prices for tattoos at 2003 range from $20 to a $1000 depending on the size, the area of the body and the number of colours used.

Tattoos at The London Beauty Clinic range in price from $10 for one letter to hundreds of dollars for bigger, more detailed tattoos.

The typical age of a 2003 customer is 18 to 26 years. And anyone younger than 18 has to have parental permission before the needles are let loose.

Mr. Burgess said: "We just started body piercing and we got a bigger response than we thought.'' And 2003 Tat 2 also sell accessories such as hats and sunglasses.

Mr. Burgess added: "If you are going to adorn your body, why not do all of it!'' When asked whether Mr. Vickers thought the demand for tattoos would eventually die out with the fashion, he said he was not worried.

"Tattoos have been around for years,'' he said. "There will always be people who want them.'' TRIGGER HAPPY! -- Local tattoo artist Anthony "Chucky'' Vickers -- who has more than 30 tattoos himself -- with his equipment.

Photos by Arthur Bean OUCH! -- Tattoo artist Anthony "Chucky'' Vickers tattoos a wincing customer, who did not wish to be identified, at 2003 Tat 2 parlour on Court Street.