Since Durango now requires masks for customers who enter commercial businesses, it’s been easier to shop in most places. However, as I entered and walked the aisles of a big box store recently, few were wearing a mask.
When I asked the clerk about enforcement, she said the chain’s owner doesn’t believe they are necessary and that the local police can enforce this expectation. When I can shop downtown, knowing that owner’s stance on his responsibilities differs from mine, I gladly swing into Town Plaza, but an item forced my hand.
Durango City Council should have the expectation that the police will do sweeps in huge corporate-owned businesses on south 550, and kindly, peacefully remind people of their personal responsibility to their fellows. Otherwise, this so-called local law is really only window dressing and large national chains are welcome to do as they please.
All the small businesses along Main Avenue don’t have the luxury of thumbing their collective noses at this law, so why are we allowing behemoths that can afford to lose a couple of million dollars as a tax write-off to ignore the mask requirement while our mom-and-pop stores have enormous struggles just to make payroll this week, let alone rent?
I’m asking for 331 million people and a local community that relies on fair and impartial and sane treatment.
Stephanie MoranDurango
