Question about tatoos and piercings in a business (companies, employment, employees)

[bentlebee]

Does any one know if a business owner is allowed to draw up a contract for not allowing an employee to have tatoos and/or piercings in places that are visible for others to see.
I heard on the local radio about a girl who was asked to take a eye brow piercing out or to be fired and that McDonalds doesn't allow tatoos to be visible, they have to be covered by clothing.

I don't like it either and was wondering if I would hire employees one day if you can put something in a contract so both parties know what is allowed on this subject.

[Mathguy]

Most employment is at will so you can just have a verbal policy.

Nothing wrong with it, it's your company you can pretty much have your employees wear giant mouse outfits while greeting visitors if you want (and they agree to it).

[rcarrillo]

There is nothing that says employers can not hire people unless they dress, look or act a certain way (yet). You can not discriminate, but if someone chooses to wear or do things you feel are inappropriate in the workplace they have the choice to stop or seek new employment.

[akck]

You can have a reasonable dress code policy for your business, written would be better, especially if you require a sign-off. While I think you can get into trouble firing someone because they have tattoos or piercings, your policy can require that they be covered up or removed if they are visible. Refusal to do so would be a firing offense.

[Irishtom29]

It's against the law to discriminate on account of race, ethnicity, age and gender. It is not illegal to discriminate against screwballs with tatoos or bones in their noses.

[bentlebee]

Thanks, I thought it was this way and I'm glad to get some conformation....This is way better than in Europe where you can't fire them because of these things

[revelated]

Make sure you (or someone who is an expert in Human Resources law in your state) does extensive research. Speaking strictly for California, you can essentially fire someone for breathing funny - at-will-employment.

Visible tattoos and piercings are usually prohibited by most companies. They won't fire you for it, they'll just tell you to cover up the tattoo completely or remove the piercing while you're at work. If you continue to do it then they'll consider termination.

I imagine most states are the same way, but it's good practice to confirm that.