No ruling made on South Fulton hair braiding business’ permit after city council denial

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – A Fulton County judge made no ruling on a lawsuit brought forth by a South Fulton woman whose hair braiding business permit was denied by the city council.

The case dates back several months when Awa Diagne was told by South Fulton City Council that she couldn’t get her permit because she would be competing with other salons in the area. Her storefront is located in a shopping plaza on Campbellton Fairburn Road.

Diagne’s attorneys argue the decision is based on favoritism and not a legitimate reason for zoning authorities to deny a permit.

“We want to ensure that when cities enforce their zoning codes, they’re doing it in a way that promotes public health and safety,” Christian Lansinger, an attorney with the Institute for Justice, said. “And not picking winners and losers or showing partiality in favor of certain businesses.”

In a hearing on Friday, the judge told the attorney for South Fulton that he needed more information.

Meanwhile, Diagne’s attorneys argue the single mother needs to get back to work as soon as possible. Diagne was braiding hair in Atlanta for 30 years before moving to South Fulton.

“They were concerned about the profits of nearby businesses, so even though they had no concerns about her operation, her ability to braid hair safely, and for the people of South Fulton,” Lansinger said. “They denied her business permit because they were concerned about local businesses and that she might compete with them.”

A spokesperson for the City of South Fulton told Atlanta News First they do not comment on active court matters.

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