Should Alcohol Be Allowed To Be Served at Beauty Salons?

Beauty treatments and alcohol are hardly a new marketing combination. New York City’s Dashing Diva currently offers free cocktails to clients waiting for pedicures. The salon’s “Girls’ Night Out” package also includes a free “diva” cocktail with any service.

The trend has already brought in some serious revenue for nail salons across the nation, so it goes without saying that a growing number of beauty business owners are chomping at the bit to add pricey cocktails to the menu.

Looking to California’s Salons 

Not only could serving alcohol soon be a reality for salons in California, it would even be permitted by law.

California Assembly Bill 1322 looks to legalize serving beer and wine in beauty salons and barbershops across the state. If approved, it could potentially affect the way more than 20,000 establishments do business, according to numbers from the Department of Consumer Affairs.

The bill also includes guidelines would attempt to prevent an influx of people looking to get drunk while getting a blow out or styling. Specifics set in place to deter these unwanted customers include:

• Clients can only have a single serving of beer and wine during their visit
• The single drink must be free of charge
• All alcoholic beverages must be provided during business hours
• No alcohol is to be offered no later than 10 p.m.
• The establishments are responsible for making sure customers are over 21 and not being over served

The Voice of Resistance

Many state officials aren’t on board with the idea. Alcohol Justice spokesperson Bruce Lee Livingston called California Assembly Bill 1322 “one of the stupidest and most dangerous bills I’ve seen in a long time.”

Livingston said that despite the proposed regulations, it could increase issues related to alcohol abuse because it would be nearly impossible to track and regulate alcohol consumption at these businesses.

There are plenty of potential ramifications for serving alcohol at hair salons and barbershops, especially the idea of drinking and driving post-hairdo. Opponents also question whether or not employees would be properly trained to spot fake ID’s to prevent underage drinking. And just like at your local bar, drunken interactions between stylist and client could lead to vicious verbal exchanges and some terrible haircuts.

Salons Secretly Serving Alcohol 

While serving alcohol at barbershops and hair salons is still illegal, that fact hasn’t stopped a number of them from serving “under the table” booze.

An informal survey of 10 hair establishments from ABC7 News in San Francisco found that three salons served alcohol regularly, while another three served it on occasion.

One barber, who spoke anonymously, said that “it’s an industry standard. It’s just kind of a nice way to thank your clients for coming in.”

If you’re in recovery, check with your new salon or barber shop beforehand and ask if they serve alcohol to clients. If so, you’d be best served to find an alternative venue. You certainly don’t want your trim to turn into a potential trigger.

Additional Reading: New Bar Sets Up Shop…Inside Abandoned Restrooms?