Lifting mask mandates in Texas has caused conflicts for small businesses | Gene Marks

Owners want to create a safe environment, instead they encounter animosity and clashes with customers who don't comply

I spent a few weeks in Florida this past January, right in the middle of the pandemic. Florida has no mask mandate. Although there are city and county-level requirements, the state's governor suspended all fines and penalties associated with non-compliance back in September. So people are free to do what they want.

I'm not going to argue whether this is good policy or not. I wear a mask, but no one is ever going to fully agree on whether governments should require their citizens to wear one. One thing is for certain: not having a state mask mandate makes it tougher for small businesses in that state.