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The bar where I haven’t worked for most of the last 7 months will probably not survive another shut down.
People are just not wearing masks in Boise. @CDHidaho has mandated them when indoors in public- but most people refuse to comply.
I had a couple in their 50’s walk in to @EastsideTav last night w/out masks. As they walked towards the bar I said, “Welcome, if you need a mask I have free ones right there.”
They turned around and walked out. Not a word.
They turned around and walked out. Not a word.
In one sense, I’m thankful that was the extent of the encounter.
But I’m also troubled by it...
But I’m also troubled by it...
I’m troubled by the fact that they had to walk the 22.5’ from the curb to our front door looking at a large sign in block letters that reads “FACE MASK REQUIRED FOR ENTRY” and still chose to walk through the door into the bar.
I’m troubled by the fact that these people think they don’t have to participate in society.
I’m troubled by the fact that people would rather see a small business disappear than wear a mask for very small amounts of time.
I’m troubled by the fact that doing my job will probably cost me my job.
I’m troubled by the fact that regular customers- people we have called family- talk about missing us but then refuse to come in because we are actually adhering to CDH regulations.
I’m troubled by the fact that adults will wear shoes and a shirt into a bar, adhering to health code, but think that a mask health order is up for debate.
I’m troubled by the fact that people are so self-centered they would rather cause harm than be very very minority inconvenienced.
It’s not all bad. I have customers that absolutely get it and are pulling for our success as a business.
A gentleman came in sans mask asking for matches- that’s all. I gave my typical invitation to have a free mask. He said he just wanted matches- and asked “what do you want me to do?” I replied, “I want you to do what you’re supposed to do and wear a mask in here.” He walked out..
Moments later he returned w a mask on. As I grabbed a couple books of matches and slid them across the bar top thanking him, he said “You bet- I wanted you to know I’m an affable person!” And that was it. No drama. No yelling. Just mutual respect.
It’s a tough thing expressing empathy for those that will not do so themselves, a concept referred to simply as: compassion.
Compassion is empathy in action. I’ve had to remind myself that bullying people not wearing a mask is stupid- at first.
You’re damn right I just said mask bullying is acceptable. But only after you have legitimately made an effort to give that person the opportunity to:
-run back to their car
-explain their legit health issue
-accept a free mask
-run back to their car
-explain their legit health issue
-accept a free mask
No it is NOT a violation of the 4th Amendment or HIPAA to ask someone to disclose the nature of their medical condition. Naturally they aren’t required to tell you, but anyone with a legit condition has a vested interest in actually staying healthy & will volunteer this.
If someone refuses to wear a mask or give real, concrete reasons as to why they cannot, shame them. Call them out for the children they are.
I was a lifeguard for many years so I’m looking forward to donning my whistle again to remind children how to behave safely in public.
