New Bradenton Ordinance Requires Signs That Encourage Masks

BRADENTON, FL — A new city ordinance requires Bradenton businesses to post signs that encourage customers to wear masks.

"A big thank you to those business owners who immediately complied with our Emergency Ordinance 3067, passed last Wednesday," Bradenton Mayor Wayne Poston penned.

City officials said businesses may require customers to wear masks but are not bound to do so under the ordinance, which took effect on July 17.

"The ordinance does not require the use of face coverings in a business, and business owners are not asked to enforce mask-wearing," according to the mayor.

Businesses must post signs at every public entrance encouraging patrons to wear a face covering inside the business.

"Business owners can use their own signs or can print out signs in English or Spanish from the City’s COVID-19 web page," officials said.

The ordinance will expire on Sept. 15 unless extended.

"Thanks again to our local business community for its support in helping us follow CDC guidelines for COVID-19 safety," Poston said in a newsletter to residents.