As more municipalities announce mandatory masks/face coverings, CFIB asks for care and consideration for small businesses trying to implement any new rules.
Most business owners I've spoken to are quite willing to post a sign asking customers to wear a mask and remind them at the door or in the business.
The problem is any requirement for a small business to enforce mandatory masks for people who may be unwilling or unable to wear one.
Some Ontario municipalities have fines of up to $5000 on the business, but, as usual, no consequence on the person refusing to follow the rule. Small firms are reluctant to become the "mask police" as they reopen.
To be clear, we are not arguing against the policy itself as mandatory masks would be far preferable to another round of shutting down the majority of the small business population.
Business owners are asking CFIB how they can determine who has a legitimate exemption from mask wearing. And should a 17 year old clerk physically remove a customer who refuses to cooperate?
We ask all governments considering these rules to ensure any penalties for non-compliance are on the person refusing to wear a mask, not on the business owner if they've taken reasonable steps. We are all in this together.
Also, if governments require businesses to supply masks or other PPE, many will need help. Only 23% of small firms have revenue anywhere close to normal.
