Gentleman’s barbershop fined $750 for refusing to cut a woman’s hair
A barbershop in Pennsylvania has been fined $750 for refusing to cut a woman’s hair.
John Interval cuts a client’s hair at his barbershop, Barbiere. OBSERVER-REPORTER/KAREN MANSFIELD
lhanna@nydailynews.com
Barbiere of Washington County is aimed at the upscale gentleman’s market, offering clients a complimentary cocktail or a cold beer with their haircut.
But owner John Interval ran into trouble with authorities when staff refused to cut a woman’s hair in his establishment.
Diamond Pecjak filed an action with the state’s Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs after the incident.
And the agency then imposed a fine for gender discrimination after a state investigator visited the business and interviewed Interval.
“I didn’t really consider it so much a discrimination thing as it’s a barbershop … for guys,” Interval told CBS Pittsburgh.
Diamond Pecjak filed a complaint after being refused service at a barbershop in Washington County, Pa. FACEBOOK
Clients supported the barbership and nearly 100 supporters signed a petition in opposition of the board’s ruling, according to the Observer Reporter.
“I think it’s ridiculous. You can clearly see no women come here to get their hair cut,” said Jeff Andrewson, a U.S. Navy recruiter.
Interval says he wasn’t aware he was legally compelled to provide the service, but he does intend to pay the fine out of respect the law.
And now, the businessman hopes to expand his business to cater for the female market.
“You know, I’m not opposed to doing women’s hair,” Interval added.
“Just not in this shop. I don’t even have the equipment to do women’s hair.
“I want to open a shop to cater to them and no men will be allowed there. They’ll have all the champagne and mimosas they want, and that’ll be on the house.”
In: nydailynews