The owner of a Marion County barbershop says he intends to open his doors for business on May 18th – even if that means spending time behind bars.
Jason Hicks, who runs Downtown’s Barbershop at 4850 South Emerson Avenue, told the Hammer and Nigel Show Thursday afternoon that he can’t afford to keep his shop closed until June 1st – the official date established by Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett for salons and barbershops to reopen.
“Bills don’t stop. We have a lease to pay, we have bills to pay at home, and we have employees who need to eat and pay bills as well,” Hicks explained to Hammer and Nigel.
Hicks also expressed frustration that salons and barbershops are being held to a different standard than larger businesses that see far more foot traffic on a daily basis than his shop.
“Walmart, Lowes, Menards, restaurants, are allowed to open next week. Church services in gatherings of 25 or fewer are allowed to take place. So if [our shop] is by appointment only, why are we not allowed to feed our families as well?” he asked.
Hicks said his shop will adhere to all required and recommended health guidelines when they reopen their doors on Monday.
“The first thing you learn when you go to barber or cosmetology school is sanitation,” explained Hicks. “You learn about communicable diseases, viruses, things that can be sprayed through your tools, and proper cleaning. So we’re very well trained in these things.”
Hicks, a father of six children, said while he’s managed to weather the shutdown relatively well by adhering to a strict budget, the quarantine has taken its toll.
“I’ve always been good about saving and putting money aside, but no, I’ve never planned for a pandemic that requires me to shut the doors of my business for multiple months,” he said.
The local businessman also expressed disgust at government officials and high-profile citizens who appear to have “special privileges.”
“I notice that [Mayor Hogsett] has a fresh haircut every time he does an announcement,” noted Hicks.
Hicks said he’s thought about the ramification of defying Mayor Hogsett’s order for barbershops and salons and he still intends to open his shop on May 18th – even if that means spending a few days behind bars.
“If [Hogsett] wants to violate my Constitutional rights, he’s more than welcome to try that,” said Hicks. “I’m not afraid to spend a day or two in jail,” he added. “If that’s what they think is suitable, good luck.”
Click below to hear Hammer and Nigel’s full interview with Jason Hicks, owner of Downtown’s Barbershop.
https://omny.fm/shows/hammer-and-nigel-show/jason-hicks-talks-opening-his-barbershop
