Richardson businesses can require customers to wear masks, city says

Richardson City Council members on Monday discussed how Gov. Greg Abbott’s decision to end the state’s mask mandate and allow bars and restaurants to reopen at full capacity may affect area residents and business owners.

As COVID-19 vaccinations ramp up in North Texas and across the country, city officials also plotted out a reopening schedule for city facilities and services, with the library and recreation center among those buildings set to gradually reopen over the coming months.

Some council members said they were concerned that the state’s new rules, which go into effect Wednesday, could in some cases cause difficulties for businesses that still require customers to wear masks. Health experts have advised mask-wearing in public until enough people have received the COVID-19 vaccine to ensure herd immunity.

Richardson business owners have the right to require that customers wear a mask, and the right to ask a customer who refuses to wear a mask to leave, city officials said. If the customer refuses to leave, the police can be called and will handle the situation similar to any other trespassing incident, which could include a verbal warning, a citation, or other actions depending on the situation.

“If the person is agreeable and cooperative, they’ll probably get a warning,” said deputy city manager Don Magner.

A business owner could further decide whether to issue a warning to an unruly customer, or to prevent them from returning to the business.

“Private businesses still have the freedom to run their business the way they would like it to be run,” Mayor Paul Voelker said.

It was suggested, however, that since city buildings and property are considered public areas, a mask policy would not be enforceable.

“We want to recommend based on CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines, but those are guidelines,” Voelker said.

The city also announced a reopening schedule for various buildings and services.