CHICO, Calif. - A barbershop in Chico is choosing to continue offering indoor services even after Butte County was placed on the state's coronavirus watchlist.

While some people praise the owner others say it's risking others' safety.

Stacia Broadhurst, from Chico, says she is against barbershops being open right now. "I don't think it's right because I don't think it's safe for the community."

On the other hand, Steven Lee, from Chico, says he supports barbershops being open. 

As hair salons and barbershops face new restrictions in Butte County, the owner of Gearhead Barbershop in Chico is choosing to defy the state order.

Anthony Eidem, owner of Gearhead Barbershop says, "I feel that all barbershops are essential. It seems like the city is divided between people who feel like we are standing up for ourselves and people who feel we should be closed."

"Especially with barbershops you are in close contact that can easily spread Covid," said Broadhurst.

Chico City Manager, Mark Orme says if a business doesn't comply, code enforcement officers educate them. If they still don't follow the rules, Orme says they will call the state to step in.

He says, "One of the things we have to do is inform them they are at risk for potentially losing their license. There are a number of state agencies that would have the enforcement capacity to come out and we have to make sure we inform them of that."

Eidem said, "Firefighters, food workers, police officers, all need haircuts and need a place to do so. We are offering a sanitized controlled environment."

The Board of Barbering and Cosmetology says if businesses don't comply, they can face a fine or potentially even get their license revoked.

The City of Chico says as of right now they are not issuing citations but that could change in the future.