EU

Barbers in a lather at EU threat to shaving brushes

By Julian Coman in Paris

IN the narrow side streets of Iesolo, a small Italian town just outside Venice, revolution is brewing among angry men in barbers' shops.

For well over two centuries, men of all ages in this northern community have enjoyed the daily luxury of a close shave and a chat about football with the occupant of the neighbouring chair. But, as from next month, a shave in Iesolo will never be the same again. According to European regulations, the traditional shaving brush, as used to liberally lather the morning or evening shadow, is unhygienic.

Until now, no one in Italy had taken any notice of the ruling. Last week, however, the leader of Iesolo town council, Daniele Bison, decided to take a stand. Before formally banning the use of the shaving brush, Mr Bison said: "I have taken the decision that Iesolo should conform to European norms."

The result has been uproar. Queues longer than ever before have formed outside the town's barbers' shops, as inhabitants gather for what might be their last "proper" shave in public. The barbers themselves are to appeal against Mr Bison's judgment at regional, national and even European level. Customers are refusing to be lathered by hand, as the new diktat demands.

Giovanni Bascoieri, a journalist on La Nuova Venezia (New Venice), said: "The shaving brush is intrinsic to the whole experience of the shave. When the brush is used, it can be like a kind of face massage, a relaxation therapy. A rough pair of hands, which in all likelihood will have to be wearing gloves, is not the same thing at all."

In addition, say Iesolo's barbers, the cost of a shave could go up dramatically if the Brussels hygiene regulations are applied to the letter. This week, a shave in Iesolo cost around 15,000 lire (£5). That price could double, putting many barbers out of business.

One Iesolo barber said: "The thing is we have never had a single complaint about infection of any kind. We wash the shaving brushes in boiling water and we have never had a problem. So why cause a fuss over nothing?"

According to Mr Bascoieri, Mr Bison may be attempting to generate some publicity before next month's general elections. Mr Bascoieri said: "But if he is, he's on a loser. People want to hold on to their shaving brushes in Iesolo, whatever European regulations may say."

-- Anonymous, April 15, 2001