By Sheila McLaughlin
The Cincinnati Enquirer

State Rep. Michelle Schneider, R-Madeira, has taken up the cause to help salons legally serve wine and beer to clients.

Urged on by a couple of local salon owners, Schneider and her staff are researching legislation that could allow special licensing for certain types of spas.

"In effect, (it) would allow day spas to offer, free of charge, one alcoholic drink during a treatment along with a menu of other choices. So, they would be offered beer, wine, pop, tea, coffee and food," Schneider said.

The sticking point for now, Schneider said, is how to define the salons so that legislation would eliminate massage parlors and bathhouses.

Schneider noted that there is precedent in Ohio for special licensing to allow alcohol consumption at certain businesses. Botanical gardens can acquire a permit so drinks can be served at wedding receptions and wine tastings, she said.

Deborah Mitchell Schmidt, owner of Mitchell's Salon & Day Spa, is leading the charge for change along with Greg Dougherty, who owns You Guys men's salon. Schneider said she became aware of the problem after Mitchell's in Kenwood, where she is a customer, was warned by state liquor agents in January to stop serving drinks.

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E-mail smclaughlin@enquirer.com