WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CNN Newsource) – A business owner in West Palm Beach Florida is asking his customers not to wear a face mask for safety.
It might seem odd during a time when the sunshine state is experiencing a significant outbreak of COVID-19.
Alex Shkop says the no mask sign outside his gun store in West Palm Beach is not about his views on the COVID-19 virus but about preventing crime when people he says come in with their faces covered.
“We had a few times and they were very unpleasant moments and we figured in order to prevent it we have a no mask policy,” Shkop said.
Shkop says his gun store can be a prime target for thieves, unlike other businesses that are reopening with mask only policies such as this hair salon on clematis.
Having a no mask policy is a little out of the ordinary and it did seem to surprise at least one customer at the gun store.
“I think it should be mandatory to wear masks, I understand their concerns,” Customer Robert Cruz said.
If customers call in advance and set an appointment, the owner says they can wear a mask in the gun store.
MORE FLORIDA STORIES
- Florida to lower COVID-19 vaccine age range to 60 and up next Monday, DeSantis says
- Florida coronavirus: 4,098 new cases, 63 new deaths reported Sunday
- Sunshine State dims for Dems amid election losses, cash woes
- States are dropping mask mandates but still urge wearing them – which message will the public follow?
- Florida coronavirus: State reports 4,690 new cases, 98 new deaths
