St. Paul barbershop owner told to close after defying state 'stay at home' order

A St. Paul barbershop owner was told Tuesday to close after defying the state's 'stay at home' order. 

The owner of King Milan's Barbershop on University Avenue says he opened Monday, even though he knew it was in violation.

"We're very eager to get back to work," Milan Dennie said. 

Dennie says he took several saftey precautions, including disinfecting all equipment and requiring everyone to wear masks.

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"We are using sterilization techniques much better than any other business, probably other than a hospital or doctor's office."

Dennie voluntarily closed after police stopped in the shop to tell him he was violating the 'stay at home' order.

"I wasn't trying to hide and do it undercover and get caught," he said. "I wanted people to know we can do this."

Over the last six weeks, St. Paul police say they've had a handful of businesses violating the stay at home order. No citations have been issued and all businesses closed voluntarily.