Local

Business owner says enforcing mask mandate is frustrating

CHARLOTTE — John Bailey, owner of Sammy’s Neighborhood Pub, said it’s a double whammy to follow a mask mandate while enforcing it.

“99.9% of the people were understanding and if we ask them to put a mask on, they did,” Bailey said. “But you always feel like you’re walking on eggshells or walking a fine line making someone mad who is there to support your business.”

That extra weight is one more thing to add to business owners’ plate.

[Local businesses in need of more federal relief money]

“I almost felt like I had to be a tattletale,” he told Channel 9.

The mask mandate, a capacity limit and the new curfew are tools to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

The governor said his office needs more help enforcing these rules.

“We’re urging (local governments) to help us with enforcement of executive order to help slow the spread of the virus,” Gov. Roy Cooper said.

The attorney general said local governments have the power to enforce an ordinance that is stricter than the state law.