Buffalo Grove poised to require face masks in essential businesses

Responding to concerns about public behavior, especially at grocery stores, Buffalo Grove officials are working on an ordinance requiring face coverings in essential businesses.

The idea was brought up at Monday's village board meeting by Trustee Andrew Stein and received support from several trustees as well as Village President Beverly Sussman.

Stein said his suggestion represents a shift in his viewpoint.

"If you would have asked me two weeks ago if I supported making face coverings mandatory when going into businesses that were labeled essential, I would have told you that I would not support this, because it would be a nightmare to enforce," he said.

But Stein said he changed his mind after seeing other communities adopt similar measures, and receiving emails and messages raising concerns about safety "in the most essential business, the grocery store."

"I think it's very urgent that we look into it and we look into it very quickly," Sussman added.

Village Attorney Patrick Brankin suggested an ordinance enabling police officers to issue tickets and having cases decided through an administrative adjudication process. He also suggested a condition requiring essential businesses to ensure that people entering wear a mask.

Village Manager Dane Bragg said the village could call a special meeting when a draft ordinance is ready.

Police Chief Steve Casstevens said it will be important to put part of the burden on store owners by requiring them to post signs about the requirement.

"I've been to stores in other communities, and before I walked in, I was stopped by a store employee who said no entrance without a mask," he said.

Fire Chief Mike Baker noted there is conflicting information from both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which recommends wearing masks, and the World Health Organization, which does not.