Make Sure Your Restaurant Understands Your Local Mask-Wearing Regulations

By Michael Caglianone, Contributor

As we continue to adjust to the “new normal,” there’s a lot confusion about the requirements surrounding the wearing of face masks. While common sense dictates that voluntarily wearing a mask is a small price to pay to protect the health of those around you and yourself, regulations for the use of face masks vary at the federal, state, and local level.

As we leave our homes and once again return to a social world, one of the sectors experiencing the highest volume of traffic is the restaurant and hospitality industry. People have been pent up in their homes for months, and they are flooding their local bars and restaurants seeking companionship and a “night out.”

A Look at the Rules for Food Service Businesses

While each individual state and local jurisdiction may have slightly different rules and regulations, the majority of states mandate the use of masks in the food service industry. So, it’s important for restaurant and bar owners to check their municipal and state Board of Health for the latest regulations.

As a general rule, most states require mask use at restaurants that have re-opened, making it mandatory for staff that comes in contact with patrons to wear a mask that covers the nose and mouth. In many states, staff must also wear gloves.

As a general rule, patrons are also encouraged to wear a mask when entering an establishment until seated and may remove their mask while at the table. However, when leaving the table, for example, to use the restroom, patrons must put their mask back on.  In many states, guests may be refused service if they are not wearing a mask.

Work with a Company that Understands the PPE Rules!

The best solution in navigating mask requirements is to work with a company that provides a wide selection of masks that meet government standards for PPE. The CDC recommends that the most protective medical grade masks (N95) be reserved for front-line medical workers and first responders. For most states, 3-ply or cloth face coverings meet the standards of protection for restaurant workers.

As we all rebuild our businesses, it becomes more important than ever to provide exemplary service to patrons while protecting their safety as well as the health of employees. While food distribution companies like Sysco and US Foods sell masks and other PPE, it is not their primary area of business. Therefore, they may not be up to date with the best products and important regulations affecting their use. 

For this reason, it is important for hospitality business owners to buy PPE products from a company that specializes in keeping people safe and can guide them in finding the products best suited for their specific circumstances. Such is the case with ShieldWard, a company that specializes in getting the best possible PPE to restaurants. Their 3-ply paper masks are lightweight, comfortable, and easily surpasses the strictest state regulations for restaurant PPE. They also come in multiple colors so you can get the protection of a medical mask without the aesthetics of it. They’re also easy to wear and manage and sends a strong message to your staff and guests that you’re serious about their well-being while in your establishment.

What to Look for in a Mask for Your Restaurant’s Staff

Regardless if you get a 3-ply mask from a PPE professional like ShieldWard or your regular commercial restaurant vendor, there are certain features you’ll want to look out for:

• Comfort. Your staff are going to be working long shifts with a mask on and sometimes the ear-loops can be painful. Get a mask that balances your team’s comfort with also dependability of staying on for long periods of time.

• Splash Resistant. Working in a restaurant can be a messy job and you don’t want your staff to have to change masks every time they get a little splashed with grease or a drink. Giving your team a mask that is splash resistant will save your business time and money while providing high quality protection to your team.

• Metallic Nose Bar. Having a wire or piece of metal in the nose bridge of the mask can help keep moisture carried by breathing inside the mask so it’s less likely to reach other members of your staff or guests. This is doubly important for your employees who wear glasses. A metallic nose bar will help keep their glasses from fogging over, making them more comfortable and more efficient during their shifts.

• Foolproof Wearability. Make sure whatever mask you buy clearly defines which side is the interior part of the mask and which part is the exterior part of the mask. This will help ensure your staff is wearing the PPE properly and not wasting a mask by putting it on inside out.

• Cost. Disposable PPEs can get pricey fast, so looking for high-quality and affordable masks runs the balance between keeping your staff and guests safe and your bank account running in the black.

Good luck and stay safe!

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