Tattoo Parlors, Tanning Salons Can Now Reopen In Montgomery Co.

ROCKVILLE, MD — Tattoo parlors, tanning salons, and other businesses that offer personal services can now reopen in Montgomery County.

Those types of establishments were initially told they couldn't operate under phase two of the county's coronavirus reopening plan. But an amended executive order — which received unanimous approval from the County Council on Tuesday — changed all of that.

As of 12 p.m. Wednesday, personal care services — such as tattoos, tanning, massages, waxing, threading, electrolysis, and facials — were allowed to operate with restrictions.

Limitations include:

• Requiring all staff to wear gloves and any other personal protective equipment needed to safely provide a service
• Allowing one customer for every 200 square feet of space
• Letting one customer in a waiting area at a time

What Else Is Affected By This Order

For many personal care businesses, the revised order gives them the freedom to operate during the coronavirus pandemic. But for other types of businesses, this amendment may hurt their bottom line.

Restaurants and Bars

Under this order, restaurants and bars must stop selling alcohol on-site after 10 p.m. Food service may continue after 10 p.m. and to-go alcoholic beverage orders would not be impacted.

"The reason behind this is that contract tracing has shown that people who congregate in establishments later in the evening have higher instances of physical contact and limited social distancing," County Executive Marc Elrich said. "Nearly one-quarter of those interviewed by the state show indoor and outdoor dining was a significant source of transmission."

Hookah Bars, Cigar Bars, and Vape Shops

These types of businesses can only operate if they stick to selling retail goods. Smoking on site is strictly prohibited.

Ahmed Kamel, owner of Vibes Hookah Lounge in Rockville, expressed his frustration during a County Council session on Tuesday.

"We have the licenses and permits that allow us to carry out business operations. And these licenses and permits call for state-of-the-art ventilation systems," Kamel said. "While we abide by (phase two reopening) guidelines, we maintain social distancing and enforce face masks. Yet, we are not able to carry out the same business operations that are similar to a bar or restaurant in the county."

He pointed out that hookah lounges in other parts of the state are allowed to operate and encouraged the council to reconsider the powers given to the health department.

Sports

The order also prohibits soccer and flag football because they are considered high-risk sports.

Matt Libber, executive director of the Maryland SoccerPlex in Boyds, begs to differ.

"There is no basis to single out soccer when sports, such as lacrosse, field hockey, and ultimate frisbee are classified as medium-risk," Libber said.

While high-risk sports aren't allowed in Montgomery County, no-contact drills are permitted.

Ice skating rinks remain closed to the public. However, they can operate as a fitness center for the purpose of individual or group training.

Religious Facilities

Churches, synagogues, mosques, and other religious facilities can hold indoor and outdoor services if they comply with the following rules:

• One participant (or one household group) for every 200 feet of religious ceremony space
• Limit to 150 participants (for outdoor service)

Click here to read the amended executive order.