A Vancouver salon hopes to create a more relaxed atmosphere for clients by offering adult beverages.
Citrus Hair Salon made history last week, becoming Vancouver's first non-traditional liquor license holder.
The salon's drink menu has a selection of wine, beer, and pre-made cocktails.
Customers can also enjoy complimentary tea, espressos or Americanos, and snacks. Free salon snacks may include chips, candies, energy bars, and whatever is available as part of its "daily assortment."
Citrus founder and owner Antonella Biefeni-Olevano tells V.I.A. that she's been trying to get the store a liquor license for years, hoping to transition the space into more of a "lounge" atmosphere.
Biefeni-Olevano says she had reached out a few years back and the city turned her down.
"They changed the law and I applied in February," she says.
As of December 2023, Vancouver businesses with customers on-site such as spas, barbers, and bookstores could start applying for what's called a non-traditional liquor license. Previously, only arts and culture businesses, like art galleries and retail art dealers, could obtain one.
The salon introduced the concept to clients at the start of August, with many praising the new direction. Biefeni-Olevano says customers have mentioned the drinks menu was "so grown up" while others simply seemed pleased to have the option.
"We want it to be a place to come and relax, unwind and have a glass of wine," she explains. "People can get off work and come and relax and socialize."
Biefeni-Olevano said she was eager to make history as the first business to utilize Vancouver's first non-traditional liquor license.
"This will elevate the salon client’s experience by offering an alcoholic beverage, which can be a ritualistic way to signal the transition from work to leisure time. Offering alcoholic beverages in a responsible way adds a new level of luxury and relaxation and creates a more social atmosphere," she adds.
What are some of the alcoholic beverages for sale at Citrus?
Citrus clients can enjoy a lineup featuring a rose, a chardonnay, a red blend, a sparkling wine, and a pair of light beers (one citrus and the other fruity). They can also choose from blackberry, mango, or natural lime White Claw Seltzers.
Clients who opt for something with a kick must heed the following rules:
- Maximum of one drink per every hour during an appointment.
- Maximum of three drinks total for the duration of a visit.
- No one who appears intoxicated will be served.
- No outside alcoholic drinks are permitted, by law.
- Do not drink and drive.
People looking for larger meals instead of the free salon snacks can also browse from a much larger menu, including small bites, featuring items like yam fries, truffle fries, and bruschetta, and larger ones, including roast beef sliders, pulled chicken tacos, chicken quesadilla, beef barbacoa bowl, and a keto salad bowl.
Biefeni-Olevano hasn't done much marketing but says the new concept is spreading by word of mouth. Some of her neighbours expressed concern that the salon would transition into a night-club atmosphere but she doesn't want that type of energy.
"I will still be a good neighbour," she notes, emphasizing that guests must not drink more than the permitted amount. "Our focus is the same. Great people, great hair. Our staff sticks with us for a very long time. It's a testament to the environment."
When asked if she plans to expand in the future, the salon owner says she may look into opportunities.
"I'm always looking to grow my business, and I want to continue to grow and incorporate it into whatever we go," she says.
