To mask or not to mask: roundup of local businesses’ policies

High West Saloon will be closed November 14 – December 1. Photo: TownLift

PARK CITY, Utah. — With the statewide mask mandate officially a thing of the past, some locals are rejoicing, and others are…not. Masks are still required in K-12 schools and at gatherings of more than 50 people, but other than that it’s every business – and consumer – for themselves.

No one knows how the policy shift will play out around town, but whatever happens, employees are likely too find themselves in difficult positions. The switch to a business-by-business policy has prompted some confusion and frayed nerves, said several local employees of customer-facing businesses.

“I’ve already gotten cussed out before 10 a.m. this morning,” said Jazmin Jackman, front-end supervisor at the Jeremy Ranch Fresh Market. “I’m sure people are tired of it, but we would appreciate that people follow the rules until everyone can get vaccinated.”

Jackman added that employees were also still sanitizing carts and having their temperatures taken before work.

A manager at The Market said he could not count how many mask-related arguments and fights employees have stopped between customers.

County officials implored residents and visitors last week to respect and comply with whatever requirements are in place where they go. “Please show courtesy and compassion to your neighbors, whether they choose to wear a mask or not,” the health department urged in a statement. “The public is encouraged to continue health measures that prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our communities: frequently sanitizing hands and high-touch surfaces and social distancing in public areas, especially indoors.”

Following is a (somewhat random based on first-person reports and phone calls to managers) list of who will continue to require masks, and who will not. TownLift will update this list as more establishments set their policies.

Masks required:

• California Nails
• Cole Sports
• Deer Valley, Canyons and PCMR
• The Fresh Market, Whole Foods, Smiths (although word on the street is that Smiths and Whole Foods have removed their “masks required” signs)
• Hearth and Hill
• Home Depot
• Hugo Coffee
• Lit Salon
• PC Roaster
• PetCo
• Simply Mac
• Starbucks
• TJ Maxx
• Trout Bum 2
• Vessel Kitchen
• World Market
• Park City Municipal Buildings
• Park City Library
• Park City Film (opens April 16 )
• Gorsuch
• KUHL store on Main Street
• Lululemon
• Treasure Mountain Inn

Masks encouraged, but not required:

• Basin Rec Fieldhouse
• Dolly’s bookstore
• Mercer Automotive
• Habitat for Humanity ReStore (masks required for staff )
• Silver Mountain Sports Club

Masks not required:

• The Boneyard – and if you enter wearing a mask, the hostess will ask “Why are you wearing a mask?” and she will not be asking politely.
• Burt Brothers
• No Name Saloon
• Redstone 8 Cinemas
• 5 Guys

Not sure yet:

• The Market in Park City

A category all to themselves:

• Black Diamond Gymnastics – requiring masks on employees until two weeks after vaccination, at which time masks become optional. Children are now optional. Parents must still mask.

Know of other businesses who should appear on this list? Email info@townlift.com or use the Submit News Form on our website. We will update as we receive new information.