Universal Hub and WCVB report on the “No mask, no sale” policy at a 7-Eleven store across the street from Boston City Hall. Would you like to see all currently operating Newton stores adopt the same policy?
No mask. No sale.
by village14 | Apr 7, 2020 | Newton | 16 comments
Can a store owner legally deny service to non-mask wearers? Or does it have to be health code or ordinance?
I’d like to see the City of Newton require masks for shopping right now. I’d also like to see them require a plexiglass barrier between customer and cashier, as most Newton supermarkets already appear to have done. It’s important for a store to sanitize those barriers frequently.
The same 7-11s (and stores in general) that previously profiled minorities for their attire are now demanding that customers wear masks. Requiring people to wear a piece of clothing that previously has led to their systematic profiling, oppression, and in some cases, deaths, is understandably going to disproportionately effect these same groups.
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/04/05/opinion/why-i-dont-feel-safe-wearing-face-mask/
Jim, instead of wearing bandannas or other masks that cover the bottom portion of your face, which might make the wearer appear to be robbing the store, try these disposable dust, etc. protectors.
I’d feel safer going into a store if everyone had a mask on.
There are no masks available. Thinking beyond the 7-11s to the possible spread of this prohibition to other stores, how could you restrict people from buying necessities if they can’t get a mask?And, as Mike Halle suggests, I don’t see how you can apply this idea in the absence of a government requirement.
It’s possible to make a mask using all sorts of commonly available materials. Here’s one example.
This site is also provides mask making information: https://covidstudentresponse.org/files/mask-making/mask-making-guide.pdf
Paul,
People need to show the gumption to make masks. I know this isn’t the same, but the sentiment seems to be that there multiple ways to put together a “mask” from assorted types of cloth that helps with the germs factor. Individuals need to take responsibility for their actions. For the betterment of human beings, it’s fair to strongly encourage people to be mindful of their behavior and take the time to ascertain how one can be proactive and preventive when it comes to this pandemic.
My supportive comment was predicated on the term “mask” being used in a generic way to represent any face covering. I would oppose this requirement in Newton if it mandated medical masks, as opposed to face coverings like scarves and bandanas.
Right, Mike. CDC says “cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators. Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance.”
More here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html
Discovered that sleeping masks from airplane vanity kits make good face masks for some size heads, if you wear them upside down (i.e., nose dart/flap up) lower on your face!
Paul, what a good idea. I think I may have saved some from flights. Now to figure out where they might be.
Cancel culture at it again. So if I don’t wear a mask will I get a citation? Arrested? This idea is just as ridiculous as banging the pots and pans.
Fred,
Why bother being mindful that this is the epitome of a community- based issue, right? Does this make you feel like there is potential for the government to step in and compromise your civil liberties? It’s disheartening that the idea of being thoughtful of other human beings is so loaded with issues.
I’d wear a mask except I don’t have one.