Rip-Off Team Calls For Better Code Enforcement

 
The Key West Rip-Off Rapid Response Team is changing tactics while the Key West Code Department has a chance to enforce new regulations governing local cosmetics shops. 
 
The new city code passed by the Key West City Commission on March 5, requires unlicensed cosmetic shop employees to wear gloves when applying product to skin; requires that customers sign a consent form and receive a written estimate of the total cost before having cosmetics applied to their skin; and requires large signs to be posted that state the business is not a state licensed cosmetology or specialty salon.
 
“We would like to see the city code office enforce the new regulations and bring charges against businesses that have cleverly skirted the code in the past,” said Rip-Off Team spokesperson Bruce Mitchell.
 
Fourteen weeks of sidewalk picketing in front of businesses ended Monday. Two cosmetics shops closed during that time period. 
 
“The Rip-Off Team members will, for the time being, concentrate on warning cruise ship passengers to avoid cosmetic shop rip-offs. Cruise ship passengers are frequent victims of the high pressure sales tactics and we don’t want these visitors getting fleeced here in Key West. The team will also work to help victims recover money,”said Mitchell.
 
The Key West Rip-Off Rapid Response Team is a local consumer action group targeting cosmetic shops.  Volunteers have helped victims recover more than $70,000; lobbied for stricter city code enforcement, and staged pickets against cosmetic shops since forming four years ago.
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