SOUTH PORTLAND - The city council will hold a public hearing June 2 about a proposed six-month moratorium on tattoo and body piercing establishments, pending the creation of local regulations.

The moratorium proposal came when two tattoo artists considered opening a tattoo shop in town. The two have since left for Standish, but city officials said it was still necessary to develop an ordinance to require regular inspections and ensure that appearances of tattoo shops blend well with the community.

Councilors gave the proposal a first reading on Monday, and voted 4-3 in favor of a moratorium. A final vote will take place after the June 2 hearing.