In-N-Out Bans Face Masks For Workers In Some States

IRVINE, CA — In-N-Out Burger will ban face masks for workers in some states and restrict which masks they can wear in others, the company warned its employees.

Workers at locations in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Texas and Utah will not be allowed to wear masks on the job without a medical note, the Irvine-based restaurant chain said in a notice to employees. If they have a note, workers will be permitted to wear a company-provided N-95.

Employees in California and Oregon may continue to mask up, but will they too will be limited to N-95s doled out by the company, a separate notice said.

The changes are intended to “show our Associates’ smiles and other facial features while considering the health and well-being of all individuals,” according to In-N-Out.

“We believe this policy will also help to promote clear and effective communication both with our Customers and among our Associates,” the company said.

The new rules will be effective Aug. 14.

“Failure to comply with this policy may result in appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment,” according to In-N-Out.

Workers will be allowed to wear masks other than company-provided N-95s only with a medical note. The policies do not apply to workers required to wear masks or other protective gear as part of their job.

This isn’t the first time In-N-Out has bucked virus prevention measures.

In 2021, San Francisco’s health department shut down the chain’s only location in the city when the eatery refused to check coronavirus vaccination cards, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. In-N-Out also closed indoor dining at all its locations in Contra Costa County around the same time rather than comply with the vaccine check requirement, the Chronicle reported.