DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF) – A Dallas salon owner who refused to close her business amid state and local coronavirus restrictions was sanctioned by a District Judge on Tuesday.
Shelley Luther opened Salon A La Mode last month while the state’s version of a stay at home order was still in effect. Under the order, salons were not listed as essential and were not legally able to operate. Luther said she had no choice but to open in order to make money.
She was cited and issued a cease and desist order but never closed her business. Judge Eric Moye granted a temporary restraining order requiring Salon A La Mode to close, but Luther refused.
On Tuesday, at the George Allen Courthouse in Dallas, Moye ordered Luther to serve seven days in jail. He called her decision to stay open a selfish one.
“I have hair stylists that are going hungry because they’d rather feed their kids,” Luther told the Judge. “So sir, if you think the law is more important than kids being fed, then please go ahead with your decision. But I’m not going to shut the salon.”
Luther was ordered to pay $500 for each of the seven days the salon was open. If the salon does not close, Luther would be ordered to pay $500 each day through May 8.
“Sheriff,” ordered Judge Moye. “Take this defendant into custody, please.”
Per Governor Greg Abbott’s order, salons can reopen Friday.
Listen to Clayton Neville’s story below:
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