Waitresses Challenge Eatery on Makeup Rule

H A N O V E R, Pa., Sept. 15, 2004 -- Sarah Daniels says she was one of Ruby Tuesday's happiest waitresses until her supervisors informed her she could only serve customers if she applied lip gloss, mascara and eye shadow before showing up for her shift.

Daniels said she and the entire female staff at the restaurant chain's Hanover location were notified of new makeup requirements when supervisors posted a notice stating that waitresses were required to wear mascara, eye shadow and lip gloss. "If you are not wearing any of these items, you are wrong," the statement read.

Daniels, 27, says she and other waitresses were closely inspected by their mostly male supervisors for makeup before their shifts started after the requirement was put into effect in late August. Daniels says she and other waitresses were sent home for the day when they showed up without makeup on.

"When we were to clock in we had to have manager approval," said waitress Stephanie Gardner, 24. "Our managers would look over us and if we did not have makeup on, then we were sent home and not allowed to work for the day."

Audra Murphy, 20, says she was sent home every day for more than two weeks when she showed up without makeup.

"They said, 'You can put in your two weeks [notice], do whatever you want. But you need to show up every day for work or else you will be fired for not showing up for work, '" Murphy said on ABC News' Good Morning America.

Daily Inspections

Daniels says she found the daily inspections by male supervisors humiliating. She says her personal space was invaded as she was "overlooked" for makeup.

"They don't have any of these specs for the men," Daniels said.