The Texas Salon owner was sentenced to seven days in prison on Tuesday after failing to apologize for defying coronavirus-related prohibitions by staying open to business.
Dallas business owner Shelley Luther was given a choice: either apologize for selfishness, pay a fine, and shut down until Friday, or serve jail time.
“I have to disagree with you, sir, when you say that I’m selfish because feeding my kids is not selfish,” she told the judge. “I have hairstylists that are going hungry because they would rather feed their kids. So sir, if you think the law is more important than kids getting fed, then please go ahead with your decision. But I am not going to shut the salon.”
After failing to show contrition, the bailiffs led her away to be arrested. Her punishment is said to symbolize the seven-day duration she remained open, given the county regulations.
Luther was quoted by city officials, but he preferred to disregard the warnings. She will pay a fine of $7,000 now.
On Tuesday, Gov. Greg Abbott held a news conference about the reopening of barbershops and salons to be held about Friday.
Texas hair salons, barbershops, nail salons and tanning salons can be reopened on Friday. Gyms will be allowed to reopen on May 18 at 25% capacity.
There will only be one customer per stylist, so people will only wait inside if they maintain social distances. The appointment schedule is encouraged to avoid big crowds.
Everyone is advised to wear masks.
It was added that the 25% capacity restrictions do not extend to outdoor dining, but to the 6-foot social distancing rules.
The governor also said that weddings were part of ceremonies for worship rites, funerals, burials and memorials. They can occur, but all must have limited seating arrangements.
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