BEDFORD -- The storefront's windows, covered with paper, bear the lettering "Coming Soon!" and "Bedrock Tattooz." A handwritten sign on fluorescent yellow poster board advertises for the hiring of tattoo artists and body piercers.

But until Monday evening, tattoo parlors were not permitted in Bedford.

The Bedford City Council unanimously voted to amend its zoning ordinance to allow tattoo parlors as a conditional use in areas zoned for general business. Immediately afterward, the council approved a conditional-use permit for Bedrock Tattooz -- but not without some discussion regarding the establishment's hours of operation.

The proposed conditional-use permit request included a stipulation that the business would not stay open past midnight. Councilman James Vest sought to amend the request to conform the parlor's hours to the curfew enforced for juveniles, which is 11 p.m. in the summer months and 10 p.m. during the rest of the year.

"I am just wondering, do we want to regulate this one as opposed to the others," Councilman C.G. Stanley questioned.

Vest's motion did not garner any additional support and it did not proceed.

Councilman Jeffrey Hubbard made a motion to remove the condition that the parlor is required to close by midnight.

Hubbard said he would be the last person in Bedford to seek the services of a tattoo parlor, but he was uncomfortable with setting a business' hours.

Hubbard's motion was approved by a vote of 4-2-1 with Vest and Mayor Willard "Skip" Tharp voting against it. Councilman Robert Wandrei abstained from voting because his son is the attorney representing Linda Miller, the applicant for the tattoo parlor's conditional-use permit.

"It is not that we necessarily will be open until midnight, but we do want to have a choice," Miller said.

Bedrock Tattooz will be located on Blue Ridge Avenue in the 6C's Shopping Center, which Miller owns. She anticipates opening the parlor in early August. She plans to hire two tattoo artists and one piercer, and in addition to those services she will have tanning beds.