Irish Barber to offer beer sips with clips
By Danielle Toth
Rocky River
Published Nov. 18, 2009

Within a few weeks, customers of the The Irish Barber will be able to sit down and have a pint of Guinness while waiting for their turn in the chair.

Last week, Rocky River City Council approved amending its cooperation agreement with The Irish Barber, Inc. and sent a “no objection” letter to the Ohio Division of Liquor Control on behalf of the shop’s application for its permit.

An original agreement between the city and The Irish Barber allowed the shop to go forward with obtaining a D1 liquor permit that would have allowed owner Sean Gormley to sell beer only, which was his intent, Ward 1 Councilman Thomas Hunt said.

However, as no more D1 liquor licenses were available, Gormley was only able to obtain a D2X license, which would allow him to sell beer and wine. The agreement between Gormley and council to sell beer only will remain even though the license provides a provision for wine, Hunt said.

“It’s really just a matter of amending the agreement so Mr. Gormley can continue with his plan,” Hunt said. “He previously came to council and presented us with a very detailed business plan, and it was a proposal that council embraced.”

Gormley needed to get permission from council because there were no more available liquor permits in Rocky River. He could only obtain the permit through a transfer of location or ownership on an existing permit for economic development purposes, called a Transfer Exempt Permit (TREX).

“Mr. Gormley’s proposal was a unique one and something we’d never come across before on council,” Hunt said. “In this economic environment, seeing somebody wanting to put money into their business and doing something to attract business, we were willing to listen and ultimately agreed with his proposal.”

The Irish Barber will have Guinness and Smithwick’s on tap and will also have some domestic offerings. The beer will only be sold during the barbershop’s business hours, Gormley said.

“While customers wait, they’ll be able to have a glass of beer in an authentic setting,” Gormley, who immigrated to the United States from Ireland 16 years ago, said.

Gormley expanded his shop to include room for the pub, which will be one of the smallest in the area, he said. He wanted the pub to have a small, cozy atmosphere where customers could relax, he said. It seats 12, and alcoholic beverages will only be allowed in the pub area – not in the barbershop. He wants to hire a third barber and a bartender and also would like to provide a shoe shining service.

“I’m really excited,” Gormley said. “All the customers are really excited, too. A lot has gone into this. Right now I’m just waiting for the transfer. The pub should be open right around Thanksgiving.”

Gormley has operated in Rocky River for about seven years and owns The Irish Barber’s property, 19500 Center Ridge Road, and the property next door occupied by Style Mutt, 19512 Center Ridge Road.

“I love Rocky River,” Gormley said. “I’ve always liked the location of the shop. I’m confident that this is a positive thing for the city and will project a good image for the city.”