| House Republican Leader Todd Gilbert, R-Shenandoah, issued the following statement:
“When the Governor first issued his mask mandate in May, Virginians were assured that it was not up to businesses to enforce this rule. Today, the Governor has reversed course, telling businesses that ‘their licenses will be on the line’ if they do not enforce the mask mandate. This mandate puts businesses in an untenable position. To keep their licenses, they must confront customers who choose not to comply.
“The Governor and his team appear to know where people are flouting the mandate. I can’t help but think issuing a statewide ‘or else’ threat will do little but create more defiance. Real leadership brings people together, it doesn’t make threats. After all, you catch more flies with honey than vinegar.” |
