Local

Local restaurant owners put mask mandate in perspective

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — 300 East owner Cathy Coulter didn’t wait for Gov. Roy Cooper to make face masks mandatory. She implemented her own policy to protect staff and guests weeks ago.

”We’re starting to feel more threatened right now,” she says.

Cases of Covid-19 continue to climb in Mecklenburg County and across the state. A number of restaurants have temporarily closed for cleaning after an employee tested positive for Covid-19 — though there’s no requirement for restaurants to report those cases or close at this time.

Coulter’s decision is on par with the state’s mandate that kicked in June 26.

Restaurant-goers are now required to wear masks to their table and any time they get up from the table.

Read more here about how Coulter and other local restaurant owners are navigating the current situation.