Salons in Montgomery County Can Now Apply for Permits to Serve Wine, Champagne

Amid a slew of new laws going into effect around the area Tuesday, one will allow salon customers to have a glass of wine or champagne as they have their hair styled in Montgomery County.

The law was passed after Courtney Barfield, a regional manager for Drybar, lobbied for the change. Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley signed the bill in May.

Drybar, a national chain that opened two locations in the D.C. area a year and a half ago, has typically served a drink to over-21 clients who want one. But employees at the Bethesda salon often had to explain that their clients were out of luck.

"It's Drybar; it's a bar and you have a glass of champagne or wine or a mimosa. Not to be able to do that was pretty disappointing," said Drybar founder Alli Webb in May. "When you buy or purchase a blowout, along with it comes a drink. We don't sell alcohol.... We're only giving you one glass; it's five ounces."

You won't be able to enjoy your drink just yet, though. First, salons will have to apply for beer and wine licenses. Only businesses that also have a beauty salon permit will be able to do so.

Once licensed, salons will be permitted to provide beer or wine by the glass when a cosmetology service is provided or during a fundraising event.

O'Malley also proclaimed Tuesday to be "Buttercup Day" in the state, in honor of Drybar's bright yellow hair dryer mascot.

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