Texas drops cases vs. salons, barbers
AUSTIN, Texas — Barber shops and salons that defied a statewide order to close will not be penalized by state regulators after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott changed shutdown rules in response to the jailing of a Dallas salon owner.
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation has dropped 200 enforcement cases against barbers and cosmetologists who allegedly kept working in April and early May, despite Abbott’s order to close amid the coronavirus outbreak. The agency also dismissed around 180 complaints that had been filed, but not yet investigated, spokeswoman Tela Mange said.
The move comes after Abbott amended his order amid GOP outcry over the jailing of Shelley Luther, who reopened her salon in defiance of local and state stay-at-home orders.
Abbott eliminated confinement as a punishment and made the change retroactive.
In doing so, the licensing agency said it “allows for the reopening of cosmetology and barbering establishments retroactively to April 2, 2020,” meaning those businesses were not required to close.
A spokesman for Abbott’s office did not immediately respond. It’s unclear whether he agrees with the licensing agency’s decision.
Abbott has repeatedly warned that businesses that violate his order could face fines or a suspension of their state-issued license to operate.
The licensing agency oversees cosmetologists, barbers and massage therapists, among other professions. The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, which issues liquor licenses, still is investigating complaints of bars that reopened prematurely.
Abbott ordered restaurant dining areas, bars and gyms to close in March to help slow the spread of COVID-19, then expanded the order to include nonessential services. On May 1, he began allowing restaurants, retail stores and movie theaters to partially reopen. Hair and nail salons followed on May 8. Gyms can allow some clients back on Monday. Abbott has not yet set a date for when bars can reopen.
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation received the most complaints about Luther — nine related to reopening, records show. They have now been dropped, Mange said.
The department is still investigating claims of businesses operating without a license or breaking other agency rules, Mange said.