The Adelaide City Council has voted to reject the opening of a tattoo and body art studio at O'Connell Street because the shop is owned by a member of the outlaw motorcycle group Rebels.

The council's planning department sought the approval of the business to be located at a vacant café site, but the development assessment panel refused on grounds that the proposal does not accord with the desired character of O'Connell Street.

The panel also cited safety or security reasons for rejecting the tattoo studio.

Members of the panel further agreed that adult products and services shops, including tattoo parlours, should no longer be permitted on O'Connell St.

The tattoo parlour is planned for operation at seven days a week with six workers.