Month: April 2020

Background: nail salons, along with other non-essential businesses, were ordered to close over a month ago. Violators of this closure risk losing their nail technician license as well as a hefty fine. Cosmetology Salons, Nail Salons, Estheticians, Mini-Salons, Barber Shops and Massage Therapy Establishments Remain Closed

Yet, this specific salon has been operating illegally ever since the state mandate for business closures due to COVID-19. The lights are off, and a curtain covers the front door/window. However, customers are advised to park further away as to not draw attention. Customers also seem to be coming in accordance to appointments. Again, this has been ongoing since the beginning. I’ve called in numerous times to report and every so often, an officer would drive through the parking lot without stopping to take a quick look before driving off. The owners/technicians are there at least 12hrs a day, everyday, operating out of a dark salon with lights off and curtains drawn. Not only is this illegal operation unfair business competition (all the other salons are closed so this location takes advantage during this pandemic), but they’re also committing very serious health violations (this salon has a backroom, where all the customers cram to avoid being seen from the front).

I know a handful of nail salon owners/technicians who feel very against this operation. The COVID-19 mandate states that businesses such as nail salons cannot operate and that failure to obey mandate would result in the termination of nail license. The business owners and technicians I talked to said it was unfair for this one business to continue operating and profiting during this pandemic. I also cannot believe how long this has dragged out.

I’ve called/reported to Stafford Police every other day for over a week. An officer would usually drive through the parking lot, see that the business is “closed” (dark, no cars in front, a big closed sign at the door), then drive off. I finally had enough and decided to call in with a lengthy report. Last week, an officer showed up, knocked on the door of the salon, then left because no one answered. Within a minute of the officer pulling out of the parking lot, roughly a dozen people came pouring out and scrambling to get to their car. This included several families with infants and toddlers. Since that day, business hasn’t been as busy.

I’ve contacted both Stafford Police as well as Fort Bend County sheriff, and nothing ever gets done. Can someone here point me in the right direction in terms of who I should contact?

Source: I work at an essential business in the same shopping center. I’ve been confronted by the salon owners, telling me and my customers to not park in front of their nail salon for fear of drawing suspicion.

Family waiting to be let into the nail salon.

tldr: nail salon secretly operating and evading police checks for over a month. They’re cramming possibly a dozen into a back waiting room. Need help with who to contact

[unsure about the rules on whether I could name this business and provide address, but can send more information through dm]