Licensing

Mike Fisher

News on Mike Fisher

On May 9, 2005, Mike Fisher, an FSP participant, violated NH's licensing laws at the State Board of Barbering, Cosmetology, and Esthetics in Concord.

The purpose of the event was "to call attention to the State's intrusive and unnecessary licensing restrictions on entry-level workers and entrepreneurs in many industries," according to Fisher, the activist heading up the effort through the NH Underground. "In a free country, people do not need permission to start a business. We are no longer free to make a living without government approval."

It is a misdemeanor in New Hampshire to sell services such as manicures, haircuts, or massages without a license. These licensing laws were expanded in January to include all tanning businesses.

This event has received much media attention. Here are several references to media and other coverage:

• Cartoon from the 5/19/05 Monadnock Shopper.

• Threads on the FSP Forum here and here.

• Cartoon from the Union Leader.

• TV news coverage from WMUR. Also available in Real Media (3Mb) and AVI (6Mb) formats.

• A video interview with Mike Fisher. (Coming soon).

• Google links to many media articles.

• Coverage at the New Hampshire Underground.

• Overregulation is a slippery slope - Letter to the Editor by J Kelly Halldorson. (6/5/05)

• Manicure laws are unconstitutional - Letter to the Editory by Dave Ridley. (6/15/05)

• Nailing Free Enterprise (8/16/05)

• Institute for Justice (9/10/05)