NJ Salon and Spa Alliance Joins NJBIA’s Fight for Fairer Industry Operating Rules during COVID-19

The New Jersey Salon and Spa Alliance is now part of NJBIA to leverage NJBIA’s powerful business advocacy in Trenton on behalf of the state’s licensed hair salons, barbershops and cosmetology spas hurt by occupancy restrictions during COVID-19.

Christine Modica, owner of the Stag House hair salon in Glen Rock, and James Alba, owner of the B Hive Organic Salon in Hillsdale, lead the group, and are encouraging other businesses in their industry to support the Salon and Spa Alliance’s efforts by becoming NJBIA members.

“We are concerned that the excessive operating restrictions imposed on our industry are making it almost impossible to run and sustain our businesses,” Modica said. “Our businesses, which have already lost months of income due to state-ordered closures earlier in the pandemic, have demonstrated we can reopen safely, but state rules that continue to restrict the number of clients that can be inside at one time are making it difficult to survive.”
Salons are currently limited to 25% occupancy even while complying with COVID-related safety protocols related to temperature checks, face coverings, social distancing and sanitation. Unlike restaurants and health clubs, which have been allowed to increase the number of customers they serve with outdoor dining and exercise options, the state continues to limit salons to providing indoor-only services, Modica pointed out.

NJBIA has already been instrumental in helping the Salon and Spa Alliance secure a one-year extension on all licensing permits that have expired during the pandemic, Modica said. In addition, after strong lobbying by the alliance and NJBIA, temporary licensing permits that expired after March 9 were also reinstated by the Board of Cosmetology & Hairstyling under an administrative order issued by the Division of Consumer Affairs last month, she said.

“NJBIA’s advocacy on behalf of New Jersey’s hair salon, nail salons, spas and barbershops has helped our industry, which has already benefited from more open lines of communication with State Board of Cosmetology & Hairstyling,” Modica said.  “The Salon and Spa Alliance is working closely with NJBIA and knows it can count on NJBIA’s powerful advocacy for our industry.”
Further information about the New Jersey Salon and Spa Alliance can be obtained by contacting the alliance at njssc201@gmail.com.