UPS ends relationship with Vermont store that refused to comply with mask rules
“We choose not to wear a mask.”
NEWPORT, Vt. (AP) — UPS has severed its relationship with a Vermont store that refused to comply with the state’s mask rules designed to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
In a Thursday statement the company said it ended its franchise deal with the store in Newport after it refused to comply with the company’s uniform policy, which includes wearing masks.
“We take customer safety very seriously and made repeated attempts to gain compliance from this franchise owner,” the statement said. “However, those attempts were ignored and as a result, we have terminated our relationship with this franchise owner, effective close of business Thursday, February 18.”
Facial coverings in stores are required as part of Vermont’s efforts to combat the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19.
A sign posted on the store’s door said, “We choose not to wear a mask.”
“If you’re uncomfortable with this, we ask that you do not come in to ensure you’re comfort,” it said. “If you decide to come in do not ask us to put a mask on.”
The @UPS signs and the sign saying the owners don’t wear masks are still up this morning in Newport #VT — despite corporate saying they’re no longer a UPS franchise. @VTAttorneyGen says he hopes to reach an agreement with the owner, but if they refuse, he’ll take them to court pic.twitter.com/iZW6RWaGcz
— Lauren Granada (@LaurenMyNBC5) February 19, 2021
On Friday, a person who answered the phone at the store declined to comment.
Vermont Attorney General T.J. Donovan said his office sent the store two cease-and-desist orders, one in November and one on Wednesday. The Wednesday letter said refusal to comply could lead to unspecified enforcement actions.
“Look, Vermonters are law-abiding good people, but at some point in time, we are going to have to take action,” Donovan said. “We have done it before, we are prepared to do it here, and if there is not compliance that’s where we are going to end up.”
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