(Lawrenceville, Ga., Sept. 25, 2020) – Gwinnett County Solicitor-General Brian Whiteside and Georgia Retail Association Executive Director Thomas Beusse released a joint public service announcement respectfully urging the public to comply with face mask policies in retail establishments.

In the PSA, Whiteside mentions that incidents both nationally and locally have occurred where customers have resisted wearing face masks inside retail establishments that require them. “In some cases, customers exhibited violent behavior toward retail store employees,” said Whiteside. “Under no circumstances will this behavior be tolerated in Gwinnett County.”

Whiteside went on to say the Gwinnett County Solicitor’s Office supports the right of Gwinnett County retail establishments to require masks and compliance with other guidelines as a condition of entry onto the business premises. “Any individual who assaults an employee as a result of being asked to comply with a retail establishment’s policies can be prosecuted. Each misdemeanor offense in Georgia can carry up to 12 months in jail or on probation and up to a $1000 fine. While judges determine sentences, our prosecutors will recommend appropriate jail time for endangering public health and safety,” said Whiteside.

The 60-second PSA is available at the following link: https://vimeo.com/453754474.