In-N-Out announced a new policy prohibiting employees from wearing masks at any of their 387 restaurants across the western United States. The famous burger restaurant took a bold stance against the lockdowns during COVID going so far as refusing to close their San Francisco restaurant. Now their taking a stand again, this time requiring employees to work mask free. The policy comes after a California ruling that companies can not be sued for spreading COVID to employee family members.
Reuters reports, “The seven-member California Supreme Court on Thursday ruled unanimously that allowing so-called “take-home COVID” claims could encourage businesses to adopt precautions that slow the delivery of services to the public or to shut down completely during pandemics.”
In N Out in response, set out a new policy for employees stating they are no longer allowed to wear masks, except for specific medical conditions. The policy was shared publicly on Twitter, with both sides of the spectrum chiming in with their opinions. In-N-Out expressed the importance of customer service and communication with customers, hindered mainly by masks.
“We are introducing new mask guidelines that emphasize the importance of customer service and the ability to show our Associates’ smiles and other facial features while considering the health and well-being of all individuals,” the new policy stated. With stores across Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Texas, and Utah. Oregon and California employees will still be able to wear masks if they choose to do so.
