Bradenton approves mask ordinance. Businesses can be fined for not posting a sign
Starting Friday, Bradenton businesses will be required to post signs recommending that customers wear masks in public.
Bradenton City Council voted unanimously to approve the emergency ordinance regarding face coverings Wednesday morning. Businesses that don’t post the signs can be fined, but it will be up to businesses to decide whether to enforce the policy.
“The ordinance itself does not require members of the public to wear face coverings and it does not require businesses to enforce it,” said City Attorney Scott Rudacille.
However, according to Code Compliance Manager Volker Reiss, businesses that don’t comply by putting up a sign can be subjected to a fine. Individual shoppers will not be penalized or fined by the city.
“The way it would be enforced, we would provide a written notice of violation to give the owner reasonable time to comply, which in this case is about 24 hours — all they have to do is post a sign. If not, we would issue a ticket.”
Councilman Gene Gallo first brought up the topic of a mask ordinance at a previous meeting, stating that he felt the federal and state leaders have mishandled the response to the virus.
“We say the state, we say the governor, but let’s face it. The higher-ups in the political world are more concerned about the economy vs. the lives, and I think that’s horrible,” Gallo said last week, adding that he felt Gov. Ron DeSantis “made a mistake” by reopening the state too early.
On Wednesday, Gallo reiterated his belief that a mask ordinance could help save lives.
“I most certainly think it’s the right thing to do,” he said.
City staff are working with the Manatee Chamber of Commerce, Realize Bradenton and other groups to spread the word about the mask ordinance. Examples of signs will be posted to the city of Bradenton’s website, as well.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends wearing a mask in public, especially when social distancing is not possible.
Bradenton joins several other Manatee County municipalities to implement ordinances related to face masks. The city of Holmes Beach, the city of Anna Maria and the town of Longboat Key have approved similar guidelines.
Bradenton’s ordinance, which applies only to businesses within city limits, is set to take effect Friday, July 17.
