Columbia Chamber of Commerce advocates against a mask mandate for businesses

COLUMBIA, MO. (KMIZ)

The Columbia Chamber of Commerce sent a letter on Friday to city council regarding a possible business mask mandate. The letter advocates for businesses asking that they not be responsible for enforcing a new mask order.

The letter says they must make known the numerous concerns from the business community about enforcing a mask mandate, saying "businesses do not have the added workforce needed to enforce a mask mandate on their customers."

"It becomes a workforce issue when businesses are required to use their limited and taxed staff
to enforce mandates to their customers," the letter stated.

While many businesses in Columbia leave the mask choice up to the customer, one businesses said they will continue to require masks until the pandemic is over.

Mark Haim, Director of Of Mid-Missouri Peace Works and Peace Nook, said masks have been required in Peace Nook since they reopened from quarantine in June 2020.

"We're concerned about the health of our staff, our volunteers and our customers. We would like to see the pandemic end as soon as possible and wearing masks is a positive step," Haim said.

Haim said he feels strongly about the city adopting a mask mandate.

"We have a crisis on our hands and our city council needs to adapt a mask mandate as soon as possible" Haim said.

Will Forsyth, Floor manager at Alpine Shop, said they are leaving the masking decision up to customers.

"For customers, we ask that if you are not vaccinated that you wear a mask, but we don't enforce anything and same goes for employees. Either way it's your choice so we are letting the customers decide what they feel comfortable with," Forsyth said.