The Parsons City Commission on Monday night voted unanimously to approve an ordinance to requiring people in Parsons to wear face masks inside businesses beginning in two weeks.

Businesses are required to post a sign at the entrance stating that masks are required and employees will be required to wear a mask. Business owners will also have the ability to remove a customer from their business. If the customer doesn’t comply, the person could be charged with criminal trespassing.

Individuals inside businesses without a mask are subject to a warning for the first offense and a $15 fine for the second offense. A third offense would result in a $50 fine plus $90 in court costs. The commissioners will also spend up to $10,000 on face masks that will be given to businesses to give to customers who do not have their own mask.

The city commission included a 14 day grace period, where there won’t be any enforcement, so that residents and business owners can get used to the change. The ordinance will be in effect until October 1st, unless the city commission shortens or extends it.