An Omaha bar has been forced to rename from Barber Shop Blackstone to Censored Shop Blackstone after Nebraska's Barber Board claimed exclusive rights to the term. The business owners, siblings Jaclyn Oltmans and Mike DiGiacomo, are suing the state in federal court, arguing the name restriction violates their First Amendment rights. The bar occupies a space where their father previously operated a hair salon for decades and features barber-themed decor.

The board sent the establishment a certified letter claiming the barbershop name and barber pole imagery violate Nebraska's Barber Act, warning of "civil and criminal consequences." Despite being registered with the secretary of state, the owners face legal action. The board contends these symbols belong solely to licensed barbers for "public health and safety" reasons, claiming the bar's use is "knowingly deceptive."

The owners are represented by the First Amendment Clinic and the Institute for Justice, which argues the state cannot "take words out of the dictionary and put them under control of a state board." This case highlights tensions between trademark protection and free expression in business naming. The National Association of Barber Boards supports Nebraska's position, emphasizing professional integrity amid mounting legal challenges.