Santa Barbara barber shop moves cuts outside to comply with latest health order

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - A Santa Barbara barber shop quickly pivoted Tuesday in an attempt to stay open amid California's statewide closure of several indoor business sectors this week, including barber shops.

Known as The Barber Shop, the downtown business on State Street near Victoria Street moved two barber chairs outside onto the sidewalk.

The owner, Jorge Salgado, said that all customers had their temperature taken before sitting down. Chairs were also thoroughly wiped down after each cut.

However, the shop was forced to close Wednesday as state and local officials clarified that outdoor operations for personal care businesses are not allowed.

California State Board of Barbering gave a statement on their Facebook:

"Effective July 13, 2020 Governor Gavin Newsom ordered that specific businesses on the county monitoring list must close immediate in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19. This applies to all hair salons, barber ships and personal care services ( which includes nail salons, esthetic salons and electrology offices) that are within the monitored counties (a list impacted counties can be found here.

In addition, section 7317 of the Business and Professions Code requires that all barbering, cosmetology and electrology services be performed in a licensed establishment. Therefore, establishments that are within the specified counties must close immediately and not offer any services (including outdoor services).

We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time. "

California State Board of Barbering