BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Nearly 200 people protested in Niagara Square on Thursday, demanding the state re-open for small businesses.
“It’s not money, it’s not politics, I want to open my business that I built,” said Zach Armstrong, owner of Armstrong’s Barber Shop.
Armstrong and his crew have been out of work since the shutdown. His barber shop in West Seneca remains temporarily closed.
“If you think me or any other small business wants to see people die that is despicable,” he said. “That is not what we want . . . but we do want to have a choice on whether we can open our business.”
Armstrong says he’s gone to great lengths to keep his shop clean. As a barber, he’s taken state mandated infectious disease courses.
He says he knows how to be a responsible business owner, and feels opening should be up to him.
“It’s my choice to open this business, it’s your choice to come to this business, it’s our choice.”
Buffalo Police were on hand on the ground and overlooking the protest. There were no arrests or incidents to report.
