Businesses requiring shoppers wear masks, despite lack of City Ordinance

Many small businesses are getting the chance to open back up after COVID-19 restrictions forced them to close.

Some are enforcing the mask rule in Cheyenne.

Downtown Mercantile is asking its shoppers to wear masks, but some are refusing to wear them when they enter the store. And, if they're asked to wear masks, some refuse to shop there altogether.

"When people come in and they don't have a mask, I ask them if they have one," said owner Kris Haberman. "If they don't then I say, 'Well, I have one for you,' and people will say, 'No, I don't want one, I'll just leave.' Then they'll walk out the door, and that's their choice."

For small business owners like Haberman, wearing a mask is vital to her health.

"I have asthma, my son has asthma who I still raise at home. And if people that have asthma get this, it's a lot harder on them," said Haberman.

"When the stores talked about reopening on May 1, the D.D.A., the Chamber of Commerce, and Visit Cheyenne all prepared COVID-19 reopening guidelines, which I have on the front of my door," said Haberman

The Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce recommends wearing face masks in public places. Unlike Fort Collins just 30 minutes away, Cheyenne does not have a city ordinance that requires people to wear face masks.

"It's my choice as a store owner to make the rule to wear the mask. But, I want to say that if you're not comfortable wearing a mask, then you can still shop online

."

"But, you know, I don't want to have to shut down again."