A response to being turned away for not wearing a mask.

Using a template letter like the one below I sent this to a local business that had turned me away for not wearing a mask.  My goal was not to criticize them, but to inform them of the missed opportunity.  I did receive a call back within the same day from a representative of the business.  I really appreciated them reaching out to me so quickly and they were very cordial and understanding.  In the end, my understanding of their situation is this.

1. This is a state mandate, implemented by the Governor that they must follow.
2. They are meeting the needs of those who feel they have nowhere else to go.  I assume they mean "High-Risk" Individuals.

Although we did not talk solutions or other service options, it did allow me the opportunity to hear their side of the issue as most of mine side was covered in the email.  I encourage you to do the same with the hope of at some point, consolidating our efforts to offer a solution that can work for everyone.  Feel free to use the template below. 

If you decide to do this or have already done so, please let me know your experience.

 [Sample Letter]

Let me say this up front, this is not a complaint, my intention is to help.  I would like to share with you our experience to make you aware of the impact some decisions are having on your business, however small it may be. 

Share your experience

·       Visit 1 - On Date/Time? we visited your establishment in the following location.  We enjoyed it very much and appreciated the outstanding service we received. 

and/or

·       Visit 2 - On Date/Time? We arrived at your business where we were turned away for not wearing mask.  I thanked your greeter, left without incident, and have not been back since.   

To be clear, I promote and respect independent private business ownership.  I encourage and support individuals making choices that are in their best self-interest.  As a business owner you have important responsibility to provide for your community, employees, and your family.  Keeping them safe while at the same time providing a way for them to make a living is an awesome and noble endeavor, this should not be taken lightly.  My hope is that this gives you data to share with others (peers, family, friends, city and county councils) on the impact of decisions we make.

As far as why I would or will not wear a mask, I don’t believe the answer to be relevant or helpful to my goal here.  I am merely one of many who choose not to wear a mask for a variety of reasons.  And, although I have a thick skin, it is hurtful to be routinely vilified without understanding of my situation, by social media or media in general because of this choice.  At the end of the day and as an American citizen, it is your right to require patrons to wear a mask, and for me as well, an American citizen, it is my constitutional right to do what is in my best interest which has me choosing not to wear a mask. 

If you are interested in seeing some of the information that led me to this decision, I included a link to my blog explaining my understanding of the Covid-19 response.  I do not know these things to be fact, simply this is what I have gleaned from all the information blasted at us from various sources.  Please understand as an average citizen, filtering through all this information to determine fact from fiction has proven very frustrating and difficult.  I believe this to be the sole reason for so much discord today.

I will share this process and an example of this letter with friends and family, omitting any reference to your establishment.  My goal is to inspire others to share a real personal experience with all businesses that have turned them away.  With this real information, our community can not only begin to understand more thoroughly the impact but begin to work together on a more agreeable solution.  I hope this is helpful and if you would like to discuss this in more detail, I would be happy to do so.  I truly want to help us all get through this unprecedented time as soon and as painlessly as possible. 

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I pray your business survives and eventually thrives in these conditions.  Also, please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you believe I can help any way.

Sincerely,

Your Name and contact info.