A salon owner in Dallas, Texas was handed a seven-day jail sentence on Tuesday after refusing to apologize for defying coronavirus restrictions.
As per reports, Shelley Luther was given a choice after leaving her salon open for business in the midst of the ongoing pandemic. She was told she could apologize for her ‘selfishness’, pay a fine and shut down until Friday, or she could serve jail time.
Speaking to the judge presiding over her case, Shelley reportedly said: “I have to disagree with you, sir, when you say that I’m selfish because feeding my kids is not selfish.
“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.”
Shelley’s sentence is said to symbolize the seven days she stayed open, thus placing others at risk in the eyes of the state.
The salon owner had been previously cited by city officials but ignored the warnings and stayed open for business. Her penalty also includes a $7,000 fine.
Meanwhile, Governor Greg Abbott talked yesterday about the reopening of barbershops and salons – set to happen on Friday.
The rules attached to the reopening say that there will be one customer per stylist and social distancing will be in effect should people opt to wait inside the salon. Abbott said people will be encouraged to wear masks.
“This allows these types of businesses to open up, but it doesn’t require them to do so,” he explained. “Every owner of every salon should use their own best judgment.”
Do you think this salon owner deserves to be punished for staying open amidst the restrictions? Let us know thoughts in the comments box.
Meanwhile, share this article to send love and prayers to all the brave people working on the frontlines against COVID-19.
