In most countries that reopened businesses recently, the main rule is "No Mask No Entry." But in this Texas bar, the regulation seems different - the opposite. At the Liberty Tree Tavern in Elgin, customers wearing masks during the pandemic are refused of service. 

Outside the tavern doors, a sign is posted that reads: "Due to our concern for our customers, if they FEEL (not think), that they need to wear a mask, they should stay home until they FEEL that it's safe to be in public without one. Sorry, No Mask Allowed."

The bar's co-owner, Keven Smith said, their so-called 'unique rule' in this time of pandemic when almost everybody is required to wear a mask, more of a push back for customers, adding, "the snitches, as well as the contact tracers out there," adding that Texas is still a rural nation.

Still Adhering to Guidelines

Elgin is a Texan city with 10,000 residents. Since the onset of COVID-19, KXAN reported, 52 residents have tested positive for the virus. Relatively, Smith explained that despite the prohibition of masks, the bar adheres to the guidelines laid out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for bars having the desire to reopen. 

Indeed, the said CDC guidelines to not indicate wearing of masks. Nevertheless, the center suggested that the cloth masks can contribute to the prevention of spreading germs and viruses to other people especially when in crowded places such as bars and restaurants. Meanwhile, a lot of businesses in the states that are set to reopen require their customers to put on face masks if they want to get service.

 As for the tavern's policy, its patrons aired concerns about the bar, discouraging customers from wearing face cover or masks. Ross Owens, an Elgin resident said, he thinks what the tavern is implementing is a risk "and foolish." Owen also added the restaurant is "taking chances" it does not need to take, most especially "if they are in public service."


Phased Approach

In connection to reopening of the economies, on April 27 this year, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued new orders containing a "phased approach" to opening specific businesses this month and "address safe ways" for the employees' return to work, not to mention the clients who will be visiting the said businesses.

A couple of days ago, Gov. Abbott, in an interview said, "A business is a private entity." He added that it is almost like one's private home, and lust like his own, he can establish "standards of what you are going to need of the people who come into your home." As earlier mentioned, the CDC suggested that wearing face-covering can help slow the spreading of the infection. This is the reason companies like Red Carpet Nail Spa located in College Station are opting to require their clients and employees to put on face masks.

Contradicting Liberty Tree Tavern, Red Carpet is not allowing people not wearing masks, to enter the establishment. Owner Julie Pham said, they need their business but they need nee to turn customers away if they do not want to buy a face cover at the spa or bring their own to wear.

Some customers, she added, are quite frustrated and she understands how hard it is, especially with them who render service at the spa. They have been wearing masks for eight hours straight and it is quite a challenge for them.

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