A Colorado barbershop has announced that it won’t cut the hair of those customers who come into the store reeking of marijuana.
Recreational use of pot is legal in the state.
Hugo’s Barber Shop in Greeley, Colo., posted a sign on the door reading “Please do not come in if you smell like marijuana, there are families with kids who don’t want to smell it. This is a business not your house, thank you.”
The owner, Hugo Corral, explained that after about half of his customers arrived smelling of weed, he decided to implement the new policy about declining service to them if necessary.
The ban is about respect for other patrons, particularly those with children, he explained. “It’s plain and simple disrespect. People not having respect to the children and families that are in here. Just because it’s legal does not mean you can come in here smelling like marijuana and not caring.” He added that “I feel that it’s my right to make the statement. It’s the same thing as no shoes no service.” Customers who try to mask the smell of pot will still be able to get their hair cut, however.
The sign has stirred up a lot of controversy, and Corral has apparently been blasted on social media and threatened with lawsuits, while other dissenters have torn down the sign down from the shop window.
Is refusing service under these circumstances legal? According to Denver attorney Scott Robinson, “Business owners absolutely have the right to refuse service to someone who has been smoking pot, is drunk, or for any other reason as long as it’s not an unlawful or unconstitutional reason such as race, religion or gender.”
Separately, Colorado authorities have launched a $1 million ad campaign to discourage the growing problem of motorists driving while they’re stoned. The campaign is called “drive high, get a DUI.”
Do you think it is reasonable for a business owner to refuse service to a pot smoker on the basis of smell or does the rule stink?
[image credit: Shutterstock ]