The fight over masks in stores is back—this time with a twist
Masks are creating controversy for businesses again, but this time for a different reason. Early in the pandemic, retailers faced backlash for mandating face coverings. Now some store owners are demanding customers drop their masks.
Police and some small-business owners say people are exploiting the cultural acceptance of masks established by Covid-19 to commit robberies while hiding their faces. In response, some stores and business organizations are calling for bans of face coverings or imposing them on their own. The moves come as state and local governments take steps to enforce mask restrictions.
North Carolina last month passed a law increasing penalties for wearing a mask while committing a crime, largely in response to pro-Palestine protesters who covered their faces during demonstrations. Also last month, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said she supported a mask ban in the New York City subway, a policy pushed for by Jewish leaders in the city.
Diamond Collect, an independent jewelry store in Flushing, N.Y., instituted a mask ban last year after it was robbed by two men, both of whom were masked upon entering. Owner Eva Chen, whose mother was attacked during the robbery, said she now won’t allow anyone with a mask into the store. “That is a must," Chen said.
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