I am all for supporting small businesses, but I am not for them mandating mask policy that conflict with local ordinances
by Francesco Abbruzzino, Publisher, The Scoop
First, I want to state that I am all for supporting small businesses, as a small business owner. However, they can’t expect that support unconditionally.
I have stated before that I went from spending a few hundred a month at my favorite deli to maybe $50/mth via my wife shopping there. It is not that I do not like the owners, we are good friends. It is that they are mandating mask versus suggesting a mask, which is what has been asked by officials at the local and state levels. Regarding the deli, I am fine with them mandating mask, it is their business and they can do what they want. However, if I do not agree with their mandate, I will exercise my right to shop elsewhere. It keeps the friendship intact.
I ran into this again while in another town last week. Shops would have the mask suggestion, but a few would put up signs stating mask are required. Those shops were not as full as the others and I did certainly did not shop in them.
Today I went to a small business where I have been shopping for years and where I have made many purchases. It is a high-end store and I was going to buy a gift there. However, as soon as I went there, they had the hand sanitizer and mask in the basket that shoppers must wear. I turned around and left. They said it was for a recent store breakout with Covid. The virus where apparently the people involved in the breakout survived, since they fall under the statistic that 99.95% of those under 70 survive Covid.
CDC shows COVID-19 if between the ages of 0 to 70, you have a 99% survival rate
Like I said about the deli, it is this shops preference to demand face mask be worn, even though there is no law or local mandate for mask. Just like it is my preference as someone that has thoroughly researched this issue and not just listened to propaganda MSM, not to shop at the local business. For me it saves me about $1,500 I planned on spending at the small business today and I will just get something else. This is a successful small business and they will survive and by their email response I assume they are not bothered by my decision, but many small businesses are struggling, yet they are mandating mask in the same manner.
So, the bottom line is I am all about supporting small business, but that support is not unconditional. ? Also, to all the local small businesses go online. I am amazed with how many businesses do not have the option to purchase merchandise online, especially in times like today with so many people staying home and shopping online, to avoid having a store bark at them about wearing a diaper on their face or out of far of contracting Covid.