A tattoo establishment in Florida, which previously gained notoriety for declining service to active-duty military personnel and veterans, is now offering a 20% discount to clients who can verify they are not affiliated with the military or law enforcement. This new initiative has further intensified criticism from those who accuse the business of bias against service members.
New Discount Policy Draws Scrutiny
On Sunday, Revival Tattoo Collective, located in Largo, Florida, posted an announcement on its social media page. The post stated, "I see a lot of shops supporting the military and law enforcement offering deals locally. I’ve got one as well, 20 percent discount on any tattoo if you can prove you’re not law enforcement or military."
The shop, founded by Brady Martinson, also addressed potential detractors in the same message:
This is just giving back to people who aren’t hateful like yourselves, and can see things for what it is.
Previous Stance on Military Service
This recent offer follows an earlier incident on June 23, when the shop generated significant public outrage for declaring it would not provide services to active-duty military members or veterans. That prior social media post explicitly conveyed a firm policy:
Once again, for the slow ones, the military. Pretty simple, if you are ex-military or currently serving, just don’t come to the shop. You will be turned away.
Public Outcry and Rebuttals
The Sunday announcement regarding the new discount policy predominantly elicited negative responses from the public. One commenter expressed strong disapproval, stating:
So the guy that spreads hateful propaganda against military and law enforcement is trying to put on blast and shun those who disagree with him. You can’t start sh-- and then play victim. I’m so confused by the amount of hatred and hypocrisy. Anyways … since we are out here clout chasing because you run a sham business and all your artists left … I am a veteran and I own a local handyman business. If anyone needs work done in the Tampa area. I’m offering 20% off for my brothers and sisters in any public or federal service uniform. Anything from painting and pressure washing to weeding your gardens and hanging new blinds. I do it all. God bless our troops, God bless our first responders, and god bless America. Happy 250.
Another individual suggested the establishment reconsider its operations, remarking:
You need to just close up and walk away. You got your freedom from those people you don't like. Make it make sense.
Varied Reactions and Important Clarification
Amidst the criticism, some commenters responded with humor. One person humorously inquired:
Do I get an extra 20% off if I can prove I’m an illegal?
Another commenter quipped:
20% off if you served time with this guy.
It is important to note that a tattoo shop also named Revival in Hendersonville, North Carolina, has reported receiving a barrage of negative online reviews. These reviews appear to stem from a mistaken belief that the North Carolina establishment is connected to the Florida shop. The two locations are not affiliated.
