Dear Editor,

This letter is in response House Bill 664. I have been a barber for 32 years. I went to John Patterson, and I received my barber licenses. What did the board do for me? Nothing!

I don’t need an inspector to come in and write me up for hair on the floor and a lid not on the garbage can. I have never known of anyone being harmed by a product. If so, they are not going to call the barber board; they will call a lawyer.

I know cosmetolgists that work as barbers. One reason is the cost of licenses increased and there is a constant change of regulations. It is all about money.

We need less regulations, not more. Small business does not have a chance. Who is going to pay for this, the state? They can’t pay employees now and are laying off.

I have ladies working with me, and they are the only provider. Some have worked 22 years and 15 years. What are they going to do, draw pennies, get on food stamps or welfare? Or will they be grandfathered in?

The only reason this bill is coming forth is because of the cosmetologists complaining. Cosmetologists, what benefits have you received from the board? An inspector comes to town, and 5 minutes later you all know and the shops are cleaned.

Are we going to have jobs? Also, we pay taxes.

Holly McGriff Green, City Barber Shop, Clanton