While the lifting of coronavirus restrictions for restaurants by Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and subsequently Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger is good news for some, it’s made things even more confusing for others.
Mad Priest owner Michael Rice said there’s a mixed message in telling people the restrictions have been lifted across the state, though the Hamilton County mask mandate remains in place until Oct. 8.
And there is the fact that private businesses like his can still require patrons and staff to wear masks, whether the state or county requires them.
“Just 10 minutes ago, my employee at Broad Street said a customer came in without a mask and when she asked him to put one on, he began yelling that he didn’t have one and the governor said he didn’t have to,” Rice said.
After the employee reminded him it was a private business and he’d have to wear a mask, the customer cussed her and walked out. Rice said canceling the restrictions this week has only caused confusion.