Are businesses in Milwaukee exempt from wearing masks if they choose?

By Product Expert | Posted in Community, FAQs, Safety, Tips and Info on Monday, October 26th, 2020 at 2:44 pm
Anthropomorphic bag of money walks by businesses with a mask on

Milwaukee COVID-19 Mask Laws for Business Owners

The United States is in the midst of a public health crisis. Wearing masks and practicing social distancing are the best methods that humanity has currently devised to slow the spread, save lives, and work toward an eventual solution.

However, due to a variety of factors particular to our strange modern world (of which social media is not the least), differing misguided beliefs have arisen, with some individuals doubting the feasibility of masks and even of the reality of the virus itself.

If one of these misguided folks owns a business, are they allowed to choose not to wear (or not enforcing enforce the wearing of) face masks on their premises?


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Woman wears a mask while grocery shopping

No, businesses and operators of public venues in Milwaukee are not exempt from the mask ordinance. The owner or operator of any building that’s open to the public must ensure that all individuals present in their building comply with current face covering requirements.

Any owner or operator that permits an individual to violate mask laws in their building may be punished with a fine ranging from $50 to $500. In addition, the Commissioner of Healthy and City Attorney have been authorized to pursue license revocation or issue a court order to close a building open to the public for failing to require persons present to abide by the mask laws.

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When are masks required at a restaurant or bar?

In a restaurant or bar, the rules are a bit different, as it’s hard to imbibe food through a face mask. In such establishments, masks are required whenever one is not eating or drinking. Having a drink in one’s hand or being seated at a table with drinks or food is considered actively eating and drinking. Individuals should make sure to wear a mask when moving throughout the bar or restaurant, however.

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Can a restaurant or bar deny entry to a customer for not wearing a mask?

Yes, any business has the right to refuse entry or service to any person for failing to comply to the mask ordinance.

Are masks required to be worn at a drive thru?

Yes, masks are required at drive thru. Businesses are encouraged to make this clear to customers before they enter the drive thru.

How can I submit a complaint about a business not following the mask ordinance?

If you would like to submit a complaint, the current method looks to be filing through the State of Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services.

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