Local News in Brief : Anaheim : Disneyland Hotel Fires Fifth Unshorn Worker

A fifth Disneyland Hotel worker was fired Monday for violating grooming standards that bar beards and mustaches.

Officials of the Walt Disney Co. identified the employee as Ernie Reyes, 46, a reservations clerk who had worked at the hotel since 1977.

Disney spokesman Bob Roth said Reyes was fired for violating grooming standards and for willful insubordination for disobeying orders to shave his beard and mustache.

The Disney grooming standards, in effect at Disneyland and other Disney-owned attractions since 1957, became policy at the hotel when it was sold by the Wrather Corp. in January to Walt Disney Co. and Industrial Equity (Pacific) Ltd. of Hong Kong. Disney has since become sole owner.

Many hotel workers have argued that the appearance code, which also bars heavy makeup, long fingernails and slacks for women, is outdated and unreasonable, but Disney officials say the standards are designed to project a wholesome image.