NC barbershop defies governor’s order, DA won’t prosecute

COLUMBUS, N.C. — Authorities will not prosecute a Polk County business owner for opening Wednesday, despite Gov. Roy Cooper’s orders for beauty salons and barbershops to stay closed due to COVID-19 restrictions, ABC affiliate WLOS reported.

[‘We are not there yet’: North Carolina’s stay-at-home order extended]

Columbus police said they issued Paul’s Barber Shop a verbal warning, and the chief said he will not take any more action against the owner. The district attorney said shops should be able to operate and he would not prosecute.

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Phase one of reopening in North Carolina began Friday allowing stores to open and operate at 50% capacity just as long as they follow guidelines for social distancing and cleaning.

Public schools and non-essential businesses, such as gyms and salons, remain closed.