Mask mandates could impact local businesses

Bibb County Commissioners and business owners say the new mask mandates could be good for business.

News at 6:00.

I'm shelby coates.

Tucker sargent will join us in a moment.

Our top story tonight at 6: bibb county commissioners and business owners say ... the new mask mandates could be good for business.

41nbc's peyton lewis has more.

"now as a business owner, we're in kind of a unique situation where you know what do you do if someone comes in without a mask, do you run them back out?

You can't do that."

Bibb county commissioners passed mask mandates that will require masks in public places and businesses.

Masks will be enforced with fines, in places where social distancing is not possible.

Commissioner joe allen voted in favor of the mask mandates, and says the new rules will favor business owners.

"i think you're going to see people still come downtown, and i think you're going to see that more people complain about getting parking tickets down here than you do about wearing a mask."

Commissioner valerie wynn voted against the mask mandate, but says she's in favor of wearing masks.

She believes the mandates won't have an impact on local businesses.

"businesses are already requiring it.

Businesses are requiring it, and they have the right to do that, and they have the right to tell their customers to do that, and that's fine.

That's where it takes care of itself because the businesses can do it without the government telling them they need to do it."

Owner of tommy's bakery and cafe in macon, tommy sadler, says he's trying to avoid arguments and keep his business going.

"i'm going to try to stay neutral and let the customer dictate what's best for them.

I don't want to be the mask police to tell somebody they can't come in."

Sadler says as a covid-19 survivor, he encourages people to wear masks and keep their distance.

He says he understands people's concern about going out during the pandemic -- but hopes the new mandates will help people feel more comfortable.

"i think people will go out this ordinance will stay in place until the end of governor kemp's latest executive order...