In-N-Out Burger Implements No-Mask Policy in 5 States. Here's Why In-N-Out Burger will forbid mask-wearing for employees without a valid medical note in five states starting August 14.
By Madeline Garfinkle Edited by Jessica Thomas
Key Takeaways
- The policy aims to "show our associates' smiles" and emphasize the importance of customer service.
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Show us your pearly whites — it's company policy.
Starting on August 14, In-N-Out Burger will implement a new policy across its locations in Arizona, Colorado, Texas, Nevada and Utah prohibiting employees from wearing masks unless they have a valid medical note. The company's reasoning, per a memo leaked on social media, is that it wants to highlight the "importance of customer service" and "show Associates' smiles" as well as "other facial features."
In-N-Out did not immediately respond to Entrepreneur's request for comment.
The policy specifies that only employees with medical exemptions — proven by a "valid medical note" — will be allowed to wear company-provided N95 masks. The doctor's note must include the diagnosis, the reason for the exemption and, "if applicable," the estimated duration of the condition.
Employees who fail to adhere to the new mask guidelines might face disciplinary action including termination based on the severity and frequency of the violations.
In-N-Out Burger added that it will continually assess and adjust the policy to ensure compliance with local health guidelines. It will also review and approve requests for exemptions "where appropriate" based on medical, religious and other protected reasons related to grooming guidelines.
The California-based chain has more than 300 locations in seven states. The only states exempt from the new policy are Oregon and California (which have laws preventing employers from banning masks). However, employees in those states will still have to wear company-approved masks.
Businesses like In-N-Out burger are banning staff from wearing masks (unless they provide a medical note) pic.twitter.com/OchZl5STIH
— Dr. Lucky Tran (@luckytran) July 14, 2023
