City of Milwaukee Enacts Mask Mandate

On January 20th, acting Mayor Cavalier Johnson signed into law an ordinance regarding masks in public spaces.

The WRA has communicated our numerous concerns to all members of the common council, as well as Mayor Johnson, including the chilling effect the mask mandate would have on business in the city with the likelihood that visitors will head to surrounding communities where there are no mandates in place - as well as the impact the mask mandate would have on employees.

Ordinance Highlights:

• This ordinance is now in effect through March 1, 2022.
• Numerous complaints "could" result in a written statement to be sent to the license division for consideration during license renewals.
• The Milwaukee Public Health Commissioner, Kirsten Johnson, has publicly said that the department does not have the staff to enforce the order or follow up on complaints. The language also stipulates "may" follow up if they receive complaints, however there is not a requirement that they follow up.
• The ordinance includes an exemption for people who are actively eating and drinking.

​What should you do to comply with this new order? Our advice to operators is to simply do 2 things:

• Post a sign on your door indicating there is a mask mandate currently in place. WRA has created handy mask reminder posters that you can download and display in your restaurant. 
• Have some facemasks available should somebody ask for one.

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