Pasadena In-N-Out Employees Can Still Wear Masks, Despite New Company Rules

In-N-Out Burger employees in Pasadena will still be allowed to wear masks to protect themselves from illness despite a company law disallowing masks in five states without a doctor’s permission.

The company has informed employees in Utah, Texas, Nevada, Arizona and Colorado they will no longer be allowed to wear medical masks unless they have a note from their doctor, according to a company memo leaked on Twitter earlier this month.

The company’s third hamburger stand was opened in Pasadena. California has laws barring employers preventing employers from banning masks. 

According to MSNBC, the guidelines are designed to “emphasize the importance of customer service and the ability to show our Associates’ smiles and other facial features.” The news outlet sourced employee memos posted online.

Failure to comply with the new guidelines could lead to termination, the memo said.

Employees who are given permission to wear a mask will be required to wear a N-95 mask provided by the company.    

“We are introducing new mask guidelines that emphasize the importance of customer service and the ability to show our Associates’ smiles and other facial features while considering the health and well-being of all individuals,” the memo reads.  

The new rule goes into effect on Aug. 14. Employees who have specific medical condition or health concern that requires them to wear a mask will have to provide a valid medical note to their supervisor. They will not be required to disclose confidential medical information.