Fresno, CA asked in Consumer Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for California

Q: Can a store deny me service for not being able to buy mask

I sent to my local 99 cent store to purchase battery and they had there security gaurd stop me from entering the store without a mask they said I could not enter and they will refuse service and that it was the law

2 Lawyer Answers
William John Light
William John Light
Answered
  • Civil Rights Lawyer
  • Santa Ana, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: Yes.

Daniel Timothy LeBel
Daniel Timothy LeBel
Answered
  • Consumer Law Lawyer
  • San Francisco, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: The security guard was correct. It would be a violation of the law for the store to allow you to enter. Under current state and local county orders concerning the COVID-19 pandemic all patrons of grocery or other retail stores are required to wear masks for their own safety, for the safety of other patrons, and for the safety of the store employees.

If you cannot afford to buy a mask, you should seek assistance from your local health department or various nonprofits that are providing free masks to people in need.

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