H.3464 would stipulate that a license from the State Board of Barber Examiners is required to operate a barber school in South Carolina. Under current law barber colleges and their instructors need only be registered with the board. The bill would also allow the above mentioned board to dictate the curriculum of any licensed barber school.

As we have said before, the chief effect of licensure laws is to reduce supply and drive up costs. These new licensure laws will be detrimental both to entrepreneurs who wish to start a barbering school and to consumers who use barbering services.

By South Carolina Policy Council

Since 1986 the South Carolina Policy Council Education Foundation has advocated innovative policy ideas that advance the principles of limited government and free enterprise. The Policy Council is the state’s meeting place for business leaders, policymakers, and academics – as well as engaged citizens – who want to see South Carolina become the most free state in the nation. For questions or comments on the articles on this website, please email Research Director Jamie Murguia.