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July 2010
Texas Barber & Cosmetology News
(512) 463-6599 or 1-800-803-9202
www.license.state.tx.us
COSMETOLOGY PROGRAM
P.O. Box 12088 Austin, Texas 78711
cs.cosmetologists@license.state.tx.us
BARBER PROGRAM
P.O. Box 13489 Austin, Texas 78711
cs.barbers@license.state.tx.us
In February the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) sent emails to cosmetology and barbering licensees through our TDLR email notifications service. The email warned shop owners about a man impersonating a TDLR inspector who was pretending to perform required inspections. The fraudulent inspector asked for cash payment for the inspection before leaving. Unfortunately, several shops paid him.
TDLR investigator Sammy Lynch was assigned the case and began interviewing shop owners. Information from one owner indicated she felt the imposter was familiar with the cosmetology rules and industry practices; therefore, she didn’t question his authority. Another owner provided the information Lynch needed to hone in on the phony investigator. Personal papers left behind identified the man as Eddie Guzman. Three victims identified Guzman from a photo lineup as the fraudulent inspector.
Fortunately, observant owners were able to provide TDLR investigators and local law enforcement officers with information to apprehend the alleged imposter. TDLR worked with the county sheriff’s office and a warrant was issued for Guzman’s arrest.
TDLR inspectors are trained to introduce themselves and show their State of Texas employee identification badge to the person in charge when they enter a business. Upon request they can provide Department contact information and business cards. If you still have doubts about an inspector being legitimate, we encourage you to call the Department to verify the person is a TDLR employee. Contact Customer Service at (800) 803-9202.
A TDLR inspector fills out a SALON/SHOP/PROOF OF INSPECTION form once the inspection is complete and leaves a copy with the person in charge. The next step you need to take is outlined on the back of the form. These instructions are in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.
TDLR Inspectors will NEVER ask or accept money under any circumstance while visiting a shop or salon. Inspectors will not accept payment of license fees, request money for violations or charge for copies of a shop or salon inspection report.
If you have a question about shop or salon inspections please contact TDLR at: barbers@license.state.tx.us or cosmetologists@license.state.tx.us. TDLR’s Customer Service can assist you Monday – Friday from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. at (800) 802-9202.
American poet, Ralph Waldo Emerson, once said, “No one can cheat you out of ultimate success but yourself.” The barbering and cosmetology industry are proud professions and this quote is especially true for barber and cosmetology school graduates caught cheating on the required licensing test administered by PSI. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation’s (TDLR) maximum penalty of $5,000 and/or revocation of license may seem insignificant if future employers learn of the violation and refuse to hire a convicted “cheater” and suddenly a promising career disappears.
Picture this in your mind: someone spends thousands of dollars in tuition and hundreds of hours in the classroom and the only hurdle to qualify to receive a license and start providing services to customers and earning a living is one test; why ruin your future by cheating?
PSI proctors have years of experience giving tests and the signs of someone cheating simply don’t change. Students coming in with cheat notes, knowledge of the test questions or even someone taking the test for them… the proctors have seen it all and are on the lookout for people trying to cheat the system.
TDLR doesn’t look kindly on individuals caught cheating and promises you and the industry to prosecute cheaters to the fullest extent of the law and rules. Tests are developed to insure citizens of Texas receive services from qualified cosmetology and barber licensees and like you, TDLR expects the best from its licensees.
An unlicensed barber working in a barber shop isn’t the only one breaking Barbering Law or Rules; the shop that hired him is too. Rest assured, when a TDLR inspector performs the next inspection there is going to be double trouble, violations against both parties will be written and both can be fined.
No one can perform barbering services unless he holds a license. If you don’t have a license you can’t work on a person’s hair, beard, mustache, nails…you can’t work as a barber, plain and simple. If you do you are breaking the law.
The owner and/or manager of a shop employing unlicensed barbers will be caught in the crossfire if TDLR inspectors find out. Barbering Administrative Rule 82.71 directs barber shop owners and managers to make sure all persons, including independent contractors, who work in the shop are currently licensed and have the proper permits.
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation reminds shop owners and managers to stay in step with the laws and rules to avoid the double trouble web.
Renewing your license online is fast, easy and safe at
http://www.license.state.tx.us/cosmet/cosmetforms.htm#online
Cosmetology Shear NumbersOperators.... 108,824 * Dual number also listed in barber statistics
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Barber Shear NumbersBarbers.... 13,112 |
Texas Barber & Cosmetology News
(512) 463-6599 or 1-800-803-9202
www.license.state.tx.us
COSMETOLOGY PROGRAM
P.O. Box 12088 Austin, Texas 78711
cs.cosmetologists@license.state.tx.us
Cosmetology Advisory Board:
Clive Lamb, Presiding Officer
Diane Salazar,
Glenda Jemison,
Allison Leigh West
Rojean Solis Brewer,
Carolee Nguyen,
Ron Robinson
BARBER PROGRAM
P.O. Box 13489 Austin, Texas 78711
cs.barbers@license.state.tx.us
Barber Advisory Board:
Linda G. Connor, Presiding Officer
Ronald Brown,
Jimmy Johnson, Melina Marie Messick, Jennifer Grisham
Commissioners:
Frank Denton, Chair
LuAnn Roberts Morgan, Vice Chair
Mike Arismendez,
Lewis Benavides,
Lilian Norman-Keeney,
Fred N. Moses,
Deborah Yurco
William Kuntz, Exec. Director
