Michigan Barber Fined $9,000 For Coronavirus Violations, Protests

LANSING, MI — A Michigan barber who kept his barbershop open during the coronavirus pandemic, when state-issued health rules required it to be closed, is facing a $9,000 fine.

Attorneys for Karl Manke, 78, the owner of a barbershop in Owosso, told The Associated Press that they are planning to appeal the fine, which was levied against Manke due to his violation of state-mandated orders as well as his protest with other barbers on the Capitol lawn in Lansing in May.

The Associated Press reported that the Michigan Board of Barber Examiners accepted an administrative judge's findings and issued the fines on Monday. Violations prompting the fine included using neck strips and allowing piles of hair to accumulate on the floor of his shop, according to The Associated Press.

The bulk of the fine — $6,000 — stems from Manke's May protest on the Michigan Capitol lawn.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued an executive order requiring nonessential businesses to close until June 15, 2020, during the crux of the coronavirus pandemic. However, Manke reopened in early May.

People visited Manke from all over the country, and the barber's actions prompted questions regarding who would enforce Whitmer's executive orders.

Related: MI Barber Stays Open Amid Pandemic: Who Enforces Stay-Home Order?

The barber was charged with violation of a local health department order and executive order violations — two misdemeanors, but Shiawassee County prosecutors dismissed the charges.

Charges against barbers who joined Manke in his Capitol lawn protest also were charged with disorderly conduct, but those charges were dropped in February.