Barbershop in Media says it will defy closure edict

MEDIA » If Nichole Missino reopens Giovanni’s Media Barber Shop Saturday morning, more than hair might be trimmed.

As she understands it, her occupancy license may also be cut down should she follow through on a plan to conduct business in defiance of Gov. Tom Wolf’s restrictions on non-essential businesses during the coronavirus pandemic.

“The chief of police called me,” said Missino, the owner of the shop. “He’s a client. He comes in. His son comes in for a haircut. And he tells me, ‘I can’t save you.’

“He was kind of like, ‘We’re going to have to pull your occupancy certificate.’ He’s a police officer. He’s got to do what he’s got to do.”

Missino reiterated her story in a written statement in which she said, in part, “I recently announced that I would reopen my shop on May 9, 2020. After making my announcement, the Chief of the Media Police Department contacted me and informed me that if I opened my shop, my occupancy permit would be taken away. The State Board of Barber Examiners threatened me with the loss of my license.”

Martin Wusinich, Media’s chief of police for 35 years, Wednesday disputed that he made any particular demand to Missino. He did say he “absolutely” has a plan should the shop begin providing haircuts Saturday morning at 8.

And what is the plan?

“Has Jay Wright ever told you,” Wusinich asked, “what his game plan was for the Georgetown game?”

Wusinich admitted to having once been a Giovanni’s customer and wishes the shop no distress.

“You just start the conversation with, ‘If they lose their license, maybe they don’t have a job,’” he said. “It was just back-and-forth, a very cordial conversation. Very cordial.”

The barber

pole

outside the shot was not spinning Wednesday. But a sign on the door at 18 S. Olive St. announced that the shop would be open Saturday morning at 8, echoing the claims Missino made during a swift media blitz this week.

Wusinich admitted that high among his immediate concerns is the potential for robust press attention and crowds either supporting Missino or protesting the decision to reopen. Short of sharing his full plan, the chief was