&gt;<i>Defenders of occupational licensing typically argue that the rules help protect consumers and workers, and that’s undoubtedly true in some cases. I want the people filling my cavities to know what they’re doing. But it’s hard not to suspect that in many cases, these rules serve another purpose: to make it harder for new competitors to enter the marketplace. In Nevada, according to Politico, barbers need more than two years of training to qualify for a license; that’s a high bar to anyone looking to break into the business.</i><p>So, it&#x27;s the all powerful Nevada barber cartel that influences legislation in order to keep new people from entering the trade?<p>Well, I, for one, seriously doubt that.<p>And I wouldn&#x27;t call the requirement to have &quot;two years of training&quot; before taking razors to people&#x27;s necks and scissors to people&#x27;s hair &quot;a high bar&quot; either.<p>While there is indeed TONS of rent-seeking going on, I&#x27;d look for it in serious industries, with big companies and multinationals involved -- from telcos and ISPs to construction and the health industry for example.