Griffo barbering bill signed into law

New York State Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-I-C-Rome, announced today that legislation (S3812) he sponsored that would repeal the state’s prohibition on barbering on Sundays has been signed into law by the Governor. 

The state’s prohibition, while loosely and rarely enforced, disallows “any person who carries on or engages in the business of shaving, hair cutting or other work of a barber on the first days of the week.” 

However, with the Governor signing Sen. Griffo’s bill into law, this blanket prohibition has been lifted and establishments may now open their doors for business on Sundays if they so choose. The law takes effect immediately.

"I am pleased that the Governor has signed into law a bill that I introduced that will repeal the state's archaic prohibition on barbering on Sundays,” Sen. Griffo said. “Barbershops and salons, like all small businesses, have faced significant, unprecedented and strenuous challenges during the coronavirus pandemic. By removing outdated and unnecessary laws such as this, these businesses will be provided with an additional opportunity to recover financially as we work to rebuild our local and state economies."

Assemblyman Billy Jones, D-Chateaugay Lake, sponsored the bill (A436) in the state Assembly.

Like many other industries and professions, barbers and hairdressers have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Assemblyman Jones said. “From having to close their doors during the early months of the pandemic to adopting enhanced safety measures, hairstylists have faced unprecedented challenges to continue serving our communities. While the prohibition on barbering on Sundays is loosely enforced, I spearheaded this legislation to ensure the decision to be open lies in the hands of the business owner, and not an unnecessary and outdated state law. Now that the executive has signed this into law, barbershops and hairdressers across the North Country, and New York, will be able to freely operate on Sundays."