Masks Get Banned at Some In-N-Out Locations

In-N-Out locations in five U.S. states will no longer allow employees to wear masks as the company works to “emphasize the importance of customer service.”

The new policy goes into effect on August 14. According to an email sent to workers at Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Texas and Utah restaurants, one must have a “valid medical note exempting him or her from this requirement.”

A policy is also set in place for the company’s California and Oregon restaurants. Although they can not ban employees from wearing masks in those states, employees must wear a company-provided N95 mask.

According to In-N-Out, the company’s goal is “to continue to provide safe and customer-centric store and support environments that balance two things that In-N-Out is known for — exceptional customer service and unmatched standards for health, safety and quality.”

In-N-Out has a history of pushing back when it comes to adhering to Covid-19 regulations. In 2021, locations in Contra Costa county temporarily closed their doors because they did not want to participate in the verification of customers’ vaccination status, which was a requirement for indoor dining at that time,” CNN reported.