Whats the law regarding facial piercings at work?

Question

I work in a bar and thought I'd speak my landlady before getting my lip pierced. She said no. But as I'm not involved with food preparation, does she have the right to stop me?

Answer 1

mostly likely you can get away with the facial piercing at a bar. must be aware that since you're working with the public some people might like the the facial piercing therefore you won't be "TIP" as well or at all.
chin

Answer 2

There is no law against it but facial piercings are "unprofessional." So, she does have a right to keep you from wearing it. After you get a piercing, you must let it heal before you can take your original stud or ring (depending on what you have) out. After your piercing has healed, however, you can buy what are called retainers. A retainer is a clear stud you can put into your lip and most people don't notice you have a piercing unless they are looking for it. I have had a lip piercing for several months now and I find they work very well. And many employers allow you to have a piercing if you have a retainer in (but you may want to ask your employer first). Also, some people who commented asked if you could take it out while at work, don't listen. I learned that lesson after taking mine out for 1.5 hours...it took 2 hours to get it back in.

Answer 3

Yes, technically I believe she does. It can be a work policy and she has every right to enforce it! There may be no law that statest hat you cannot have body piercings, but a work policy can be enforced by your employer. I would check your employee handbook and see what it states. If it isn't stated in writing, then you may have an argument, but if it is a written policy then she can enforce it. When you were hired you were probably given a copy of the companies policies and procedures, if not, I'm sure they went over it with you or made it available for you to review. Either way, I am certain that she is enforcing something that she can legally enforce. It is rare that employers will make up rules as they go for things of this nature.
Secondly, think of it as a person who you may be serving food (or whatever you may do in this food industry), most people do not find facial piercings appetizing or appealing. As your boss, she has every right to make sure that her empolyees are presentable to her customers.

Answer 4

I know you're not involved with food preparation but the landlady does have a right to say no to the piercing. After all she pays your wages! I work for the NHS and theres supposed to be a strict no jewellery etc policy but its flouted everyday.Its really annoying. I would say have the piercing but don't wear it during work times.

Answer 5

There is no state or federal law stating that an employer can terminate you because of this. The employer can state the apperance that is required at the job site. But also she has to be fair across the board. So, lets say she tells you no, but allows someone else too. Then this could be possibly discrimination. But proving that is very hard. Couldn't you just take it out while your not at work?
I work for a professional company and we are not allowed visable tatoos. I have one on my ankle, so I either wear pants or long skirts at work to cover it up.

Answer 6

Yes, she does. Unless it's a physical disability, employers have the right to determine what look their staff projects. It's much the same as a uniform, or having a business casual or corporate atmosphere in an office setting.

When you said "landlady", you meant "boss", right?

Answer 7

I dont think there is a specific law saying you cant.However for food hygeine i think you have to cover it up,it depends where it is too.
I think if your not in public eye then a blue plaster over the piercing should be ok.It also depends on who you work for as some people are totally against tattoos and piercing. But if you are then i dont know,ive seen plenty of people working behind bars with piercings.I think its a shame that we are not allowed to express who we are due to snobbery and what others think.

Answer 8

Yes, an employer has the right to set dress codes, which include piercings.

Answer 9

I think generally piercings and tats should be covered up on the job....its just not the proper place or time for that stuff..they just dont appear that professional, unless you work at Hot Topic or something..

Answer 10

I'm not sure about state or federal laws, but I know that a business can set their own guidelines for things like that for employees. She doesn't have the right to stop you from getting one, but she does have the right to terminate you if that violates policy.