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Summary

Ontario Salon That Turned Into A Film Studio For Haircuts Is Facing Up To $500K In Fines

Bylaw officers were on scene Thursday afternoon.
Contributing Writer

An Ontario barber shop is now facing numerous fines after turning itself into a film studio earlier this month.

Chrome Artistic Barbering, in St. Catharines, Ontario, allegedly offered people the chance to audition for their podcast, while also receiving a haircut at the same time. 

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Bylaw officers from Niagara Region attended Chrome Artistic Barbering, where officers issued a Part III [...] and 2 Part I Provincial Offence Tickets. Andrew Korchok, Niagara Region

It seems guests were able to pay the audition fee of $37, where they would be recorded talking about their lives while also getting a new do.

Under Ontario lockdown orders, salons are forced to remain closed but film production can remain open. 

Despite this, Niagara Region informed Narcity that bylaw officers were on site Thursday and the salon has been charged under the Reopening Ontario Act. 

The business, which was ordered to cease operations, could face a steep penalty once they appear in court. 

The company also reportedly received two "Part I Provincial Offence Tickets" which resulted in a $750 fine per ticket

"Staff will continue to visit this location regularly and will use escalated means of enforcement if necessary to ensure continued compliance with provincial regulations," Korchok added.

Earlier this month, Narcity reached out to Alicia Hirter, the barbershop's owner, who insisted that the newly adapted business was not a loophole.   

The business is claiming they operate under the "film/performance/production exemption."

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    • Contributing Writer

      Patrick John Gilson (he/him) is a Contributing Writer with Narcity Media. He is a pro at ensuring his content is both exciting and tailored to millennials. He specializes in breaking news and investigative stories that require him to be on scene— something he enjoys and thrives in.

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