BEAUMONT, Texas — State officials have dropped their investigation into a nail salon visit by Beaumont Mayor Becky Ames.
A recent order from Gov. Greg Abbott that would allow salons and barber shops to reopen was retroactive to April 2, according to a spokesperson from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
The order, Executive Order GA-22, caused the investigation into Mayor Ames, along with approximately 200 other enforcement cases, to be dropped.
The investigation started after a photo was taken on April 21 of Mayor Ames soaking her hands in a dish inside of The Nail Bar on College Street.
The picture went viral, with many accusing Mayor Ames of violating her own stay-at-home orders.
At the time, all nail salons in the state of Texas had been ordered by state and local officials not to provide any services until further notice due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
After the photo was posted online, Mayor Ames said she did go to the nail salon after talking to the owner about how to remove an old manicure set. She needed acetone, and the salon owner said she would leave some out for her.
On May 8, Gov. Abbott announced phase one of reopening Texas, which included the reopening of nail salons and barber shops.
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The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation has since dismissed about 200 enforcement cases against people who were believed to be providing cosmetology or barbering services while under stay-at-home orders.
Although nail salons now have the green light to reopen, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation stated they will continue to investigate any violations that occurred during stay-at-home orders.
"This week, TDLR began mailing closing letters relating to alleged violations of the Governor's Executive Order by barbering and cosmetology establishments that were investigated between April 2 and May 7, the date that Gov. Abbott issued EO GA-22. TDLR will continue to investigate any complaints alleging violations of TDLR rules or statutes that may have occurred," said Tela Mange, spokesperson for the Texas Department of Licensing and Registration.
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