Ocean Springs PD says Walmart rumors on fining people away are false

Rumors are circulating on social media that the Walmart in Ocean Springs is turning people away and that police are issuing a $500 fine if customers are not wearing a mask. This is not true.

The Ocean Springs Police Department issued this statement saying the post was false: “Ocean Springs Walmart (and any other business) is allowed to turn people away for not wearing a face mask and they can sign trespass charges against individuals who are turned away but refuse to leave. This could result in a fine and/or arrest based on the business signing charges. Any retail establishment has the right to refuse service to a person based on that individual not abiding by the executive order issued by the governor.”

Alderman Mike Impey also posted that he spoke with Chief Dunston and verified this is false, adding that “there have been and there will be no citations issued or arrests made for not wearing a mask.”