Social media reacts: Police called to West Chester donut shop for political event

Holtman??€™s Donuts open at Streets of West Chester

Holtman??€™s Donuts open at Streets of West Chester

A West Chester Twp. business found itself at the center of a situation many Ohio businesses have faced since the state’s mask mandate was enacted several months ago.

According to a Holtman’s Donuts, two staff members asked a group of 20 people there for a coffee and conversation event with Ohio Rep. Jennifer Gross to spread out and keep masks on when standing and walking around. The employees called the non-emergency number for the West Chester Twp. police because members of the group were allegedly not following the mask protocols.

Readers responded with over 150 comments on social media. Here are some of the responses we received:

Let’s not make this more complicated than it is. There were rules in place. The business owner determined that the rules were not being followed on the premises, so the business owner attempted to enforce the rules. Bottom line: Their business. Their rules. Don’t like the rules? Take a hike.” - Bob Lowery

If they were eating doughnuts & drinking coffee that they purchased there, they should not have to wear masks. All Americans have rights & the numbers are going down rapidly. Maybe if you’re uncomfortable, leave the doughnut shop.” - Kelly Cook

The bottom line is, the space isn’t large enough for this number of people even under normal circumstances. In order for a business to be open during the pandemic, there are rules that have to be followed, and to stay open they have to enforce those rules. No groups over 10, and masks have to be worn. Period. This business isn’t going to risk having the health department called on them over breaking those rules. It’s shameful to try to say you’re trying to support small business, and then put them in this situation. Kudos to Holtman’s. I’ve been a customer for years, and will definitely be back to support them again soon!” - Dani Johnson

Let’s waste police resources on mask complaints. What cry baby made this complaint?” - Kyle Boehme

Most politicians believe they are above the rules. Do as I say, not as I do....” - Steve Wilson

I don’t care what side of the mask/social distancing issue you stand on, but calling the police for this is down right creepy!” - Andy Stevens

I think the employees overreacted.” - Michelle Walsh Balon

Disrespecting the small business owners’ guidelines and requests...is disgraceful. Anyone libertarian cheering that disrespect of private property can pound salt...you’re a phony.” - Marc Conter

Gross overstepped and she got legitimate push back. How selfish to jeopardize a good business as she did. I’ll be going out of my way to patronize Holtman’s Donuts.” - Chip DeMois

Holtman’s Donuts said a group there for a coffee and conversation event with Ohio Rep. Jennifer Gross were not following mask protocols.

Posted by Journal-News on Tuesday, February 23, 2021

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