Newark barbers raise concerns about ordinance that would limit days and hours they can work
News 12’s Eliecer Marte spoke to some of those workers about their concerns.
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Newark barber businesses are raising concerns about an ordinance that would limit the days and hours they can operate.
The ordinance would require barbershops to be closed on Sundays and holidays. It will also prohibit them from doing business after 6:30 p.m. Businesses like barbershops, beauty and nail salons will have to comply with the new law.
News 12’s Eliecer Marte spoke to workers about their concerns. Some say they will have to look for another job to make up for the money they are going to lose.
A.J. Fallas has been a barber at Most Wanted Cuts for 20 years. He says he is worried about how the ordinance will affect his business.
“It is impacting everybody. My co-workers and obviously my family,” he said.
City Councilmember Luis Quintana says they are looking for ways to come up with a middle ground solution that can benefit both the City of Newark and these establishments. One possible solution includes opening from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and running until 6 p.m. on Sundays.
The ordinance will also require businesses to have fully transparent windows when not operating. This comes after authorities say they received reports of illicit activities including hookah parties and gathers involving alcohol inside the business.
Those that violate the rules could be fined up to $25 or spend up to 10 days in prison.
Some barbers told News 12 that they have not received any clear information about when and how the city will begin enforcing the rules.
Councilman Luis A. Quintana released the following statement about the ordinance:
“Due to recent news reports, regarding the Barber shops and Beauty salons. I want to inform you at this moment no one has been penalized because of this old ordinance. I am introducing an amendment to this old 1966 ordinance, in order to be more current to the times. We understand the stressful situation that these owners are going through and we want them to know that we care and are working diligently to find a solution to this issue.”
