AUSTIN (KXAN) — An Austin man says he’s humiliated after being turned away from a North Austin bar for his tattoos.

The bar has a “no face and neck” tattoo policy. Some businesses have the policy because face and neck tattoos can be associated with gangs.

John Dame says his tattoos are neither gang-affiliated or offensive.

“I know we can look intimidating sometimes, but you need to be able to tell difference between body art and gang-affiliated work,” said Dame.

He’s a tattoo artist and the owner of Oracle Tattoo Company. Dame says he didn’t expect to get turned away from a business in Austin.

“Still very big stereotypes in this industry, and it’s changed a lot,” said Dame. “But some of the people haven’t.”

Dame says he was turned away from The Dogwood at the Domain, before he could pull out his ID. He would like to see bar employees trained on what is gang-affiliation and what is not.

Owners of The Dogwood declined to go on camera, but sent a statement to KXAN:

Based on previous incidents at our establishments we have an across the board rule not to allow patrons with face and neck tattoos. The safety of our patrons is our number one priority. We acknowledge that a blanket rule like this may keep good law-abiding citizens out and prevent future business, but again our customers feeling comfortable and safe is our top priority.”

Owners would not provide a full list of what the dress code entails. They say if customers have questions, they can send an email asking what’s okay and what’s not.

The American Civil Liberties Union tells KXAN that businesses are in their right to refuse services as long as they are not discriminatory of race, sex, ethnicity or age. They say policies must be neutral and enforced for everyone.

If you feel a business is discriminatory, you can check Austin’s civil rights code.