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Huntsville restaurant faces backlash for upholding mask mandate

A Facebook post from Fire & Spice Tex-Mex Smokehouse garnered traction and support after experiencing backlash from patrons.

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The mask mandate is set to expire, but we have about a week left before it does expire on April 9th. However, one local restaurant has faced backlash for following the mandate still in effect.

"We're just coming to work. And we're just coming to make tacos and have a great day!," says Fire & Spice Tex-Mex Smokehouse co-owner Leandra Poux.

Poux has been in business for about six years. Over the years she's seen some changes, especially during the pandemic.

"I tell you what, it's been a learning opportunity and we've adapted really well. I'm very proud of our team," she says.

However, a post on their Facebook page gained traction after she says some of her employees were catching heat for requiring patrons to wear masks.

Credit: WZDX

"It would happen four or five times a day. People would come in and verbally abuse our employees and say that they're leaving and they're not going to have business here," says Poux.

Poux says they're just doing their job, and trying to do so safely. "Just please be kind to us. The only reason why we're doing this is because we have to. It's a mandate. We don't want to get in trouble by the Health Department. We don't want to get in trouble by our state," says Poux.

The Alabama Department of Public Health did confirm Madison County will lift the mask mandate along with the state on April 9th. However, they still believe in practicing mitigation efforts.

"I certainly join with our physicians in Madison County and our Board of Health in reminding that we recommend that people continue to wear masks," says ADPH Assistant State Health Officer, Dr. Karen Landers.

Poux says they're offering an option to order food on the patio using a QR Code to diffuse any situations. As of now, she's still deciding whether to require masks once the mandate expires.

"I won't make a decision until I listen to everyone being our customers, our employees, and our family members," says Poux.

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