In-N-Out Burger Is Banning Employees from Wearing Masks So Customers Can 'See Our Associates' Smiles
In-N-Out Burger is prohibiting employees in five U.S. states from wearing masks unless they receive a medical note from a doctor. https://t.co/HL47hDTZdW
- NBC News (@NBCNews) July 18, 2023
In-N-Out Burger is apparently banning employees from wearing masks while working.
An internal email that leaked on Twitter on July 14 revealed that the burger chain will no longer allow employees to wear masks at locations in Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, Texas and Utah. The memo cited "the importance of customer service and the ability to show our Associates’ smiles" and “help to promote clear and effective communication” between employees and customers, as the reason for the ban.
The new mask policy, which will be implemented on August 14th, will require a doctor’s note for employees who choose to wear a mask in those 5 states. The note “should clearly state the reason for the exemption and include the estimated duration, if applicable,” the memo added.
This ban does not apply to employees in Oregon and California. Should employees choose to wear a mask in any location, it is required they wear a company-provided N95 mask.
If employees do not comply with the new rule, they'll be subject to disciplinary action, which could include termination of their role, according to the email.
Customers have expressed outrage across social media, including And Just Like That star Evan Handler. “Employees need MD note showing 'a specific medical condition or health concern that requires them to wear a mask' Mmmm...being a living human?," he tweeted.
In-N-Out did not respond to a request for comment.
Businesses like In-N-Out burger are banning staff from wearing masks (unless they provide a medical note) pic.twitter.com/OchZl5STIH
- Dr. Lucky Tran (@luckytran) July 14, 2023
ONTD, do you still wear a mask?
Sources: 1 | 2