Starkville shoppers now have to wear a mask

Starkville city leaders placed an ordinance into affect mandating all customers must wear masks while shopping

Reopen several local cities passed ordinances that require people to wear masks when shopping one such ordinance went into effect today in the city of starkville wtva's chelsea brown spoke with one business owner in starkville about how this requirement will affect his business.

Here in downtown starkville many reatil shops are still closed.

The city of starkville is now requiring all businesses open to the public to make employees and customers over the age of 6 to wear a face masks.

Managers and business owners are responsible for the enforcement of the new rule.

If you do not have a face mask, staff can stop you from entering the building.

I asked one businessman about how he plans to enforce the rule.

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Sullilvan's office supply ) starkville, oktibbeha county) "it is very understandable to try and contain this."

Steve langston is the president of operations at sullivan's office supply.

The store provides office supplies to hospitals, grocery stores, gas stations and other essential businesses.

Langston agrees the masks help lower the spread of the coronavirus.

He has some concerns about the new ordinance.

"it is a little constraining i would say in the shortage of masks era that we are in."

Sullivan's office supply is open.

An employee will greet customers at the front door and take supply orders.

Langston said his his staff has already been taking precautionary measures.

"our people are wearing masks and gloves and we are asking as our city is asking for customers to wear masks and gloves..

At least masks."

Over the past few weeks, langston has seen a decline of customers into the store."drastic, drastic affect i hope it ends soon."

The new ordinance will continue through may 11th.

The penalty for any business not following the new ordinance will be fine not exceeding $1,000.00 or by jail time no longer than 90 days.

Live in starkville , chelsea brown, wtva 9 news.

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