Vt. Senate supports board: No pets in hair salons

Vermont Senate supports state regulatory ruling: No pets in barber, beauty shops

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) -- The Vermont Senate has gone on record supporting a state board's ruling that pets don't belong in barber shops and beauty parlors.

In a 14-13 vote, the Senate defeated an amendment by Democratic Sen. Richard Sears of Bennington that would have allowed animals in commercial hair-cutting establishments.

Sears says he pushed for the measure after an inspector for the state Board of Cosmetology cited Bennington-area businesses for allowing pets on the premises.

The measure failed after Sen. Anthony Pollina of Washington County argued that regulatory boards should be allowed to make such decisions without interference by lawmakers.

An exception is made for service animals like seeing-eye dogs, which are allowed in commercial establishments under the Americans With Disabilities Act.