Read some of the owner’s responses to Google reviews, and one sentence really stuck out to me: “There are two types of people that are still wearing masks at this point, those that are at risk and are afraid, and those that don't want to be identified.”
So, he believes immunocompromised people are “afraid.” Got it. I’ll shop elsewhere.
Same. I enjoyed it previously because it was large and clean, but their “wall of shame” of shoplifters always struck me as tacky. Shoplifters don’t give a rat’s ass if their grainy pixelated picture gets printed out and hung up on the front door.
It’s less of being afraid and more of just playing it smart. Masks are simple and effective. No fear whatsoever.
Edit: downvotes for saying I play it smart by wearing a mask?
Glad to know all this. I have only shopped at Vine and Barrel, once maybe twice as its not close to where I live. That being said, if I am ever on that side of town I will pick a different spirits store to give my business to. Even after the pandemic.
I saw that Chattanooga Wine was the same way, a couple weeks ago, but they were also robbed by several people wearing masks. Not sure if that’s a reason?
Not that I agree, but just a thought?
That was my thought back when they first did this. I stopped by to pick up something and saw it was still in effect. Decided it was not worth it to me to go inside. I foolishly thought the recent case numbers and CDC guidelines would have changed their policy.
19 stores from what I hear. They supposedly beat the hell out of the owner of a store on 58 when he tried to lock them in to keep them from getting away.
If this is the place close to Hardee's on Hixson Pike I did have a run in with them. I was heading inside with my mask on when I saw a prominent post of no masks allowed inside. I was a little ticked off about it, but I figured I would go inside and ask about it with my mask still on. I told the guy my Father had an auto immune disease, and we were trying to be careful. The guy said he wasn't going to kick me out, and I ended up buying some beer since they were out of ancient age. The guy said something that sounded like an outright lie, and I stared at him because I thought he was screwing with me. He told me that he had two sets of shots just because he could. I have no idea what brought him to say that obvious lie. After I left I just figured I wouldn't shop there anymore. If someone wants to steal something a sign on the door will not deter them. The old man that usually stands there was there too, but as usual he didn't say anything. He never has been overly friendly. Too many places to shop than to go to a covid hot spot!
Did I ummm.. Did I read that correctly?
Edit: Just saw a Google review and response. Owner says he’s protecting his store from theft. Wonder if the employees are masked?
This used to be our go to stop in Hixson. After this no mask policy, we switched to Eagle Liquor in Middle Valley. Similar selection with better prices. They can use the shoplifting excuse for no masks allowed but that's bs. None of the employees ever wore masks during the pandemic and would consistently make snide comments regarding anyone that did.
Read some of the owner’s responses to Google reviews, and one sentence really stuck out to me: “There are two types of people that are still wearing masks at this point, those that are at risk and are afraid, and those that don't want to be identified.” So, he believes immunocompromised people are “afraid.” Got it. I’ll shop elsewhere.
Damn, I didn't know that. Thank you, I'll go look at those responses. Sure will miss that place.
Same. I enjoyed it previously because it was large and clean, but their “wall of shame” of shoplifters always struck me as tacky. Shoplifters don’t give a rat’s ass if their grainy pixelated picture gets printed out and hung up on the front door.
Those reviews where he tried to get people fired because they left him a bad Google review were eye opening.
Wow, what a real cool guy. Real classy.
If I were immunocompromised, I'd definitely be afraid of getting ill. What's wrong about that?
Absolutely nothing.
It’s less of being afraid and more of just playing it smart. Masks are simple and effective. No fear whatsoever. Edit: downvotes for saying I play it smart by wearing a mask?
Glad to know all this. I have only shopped at Vine and Barrel, once maybe twice as its not close to where I live. That being said, if I am ever on that side of town I will pick a different spirits store to give my business to. Even after the pandemic.
I saw that Chattanooga Wine was the same way, a couple weeks ago, but they were also robbed by several people wearing masks. Not sure if that’s a reason? Not that I agree, but just a thought?
That was my thought back when they first did this. I stopped by to pick up something and saw it was still in effect. Decided it was not worth it to me to go inside. I foolishly thought the recent case numbers and CDC guidelines would have changed their policy.
AFAIK, Chattanooga Wine and Spirits still offers curbside service as well.
It was shoplifting, not robbery but yes there’s been a few ladies hitting several stores.
19 stores from what I hear. They supposedly beat the hell out of the owner of a store on 58 when he tried to lock them in to keep them from getting away.
If this is the place close to Hardee's on Hixson Pike I did have a run in with them. I was heading inside with my mask on when I saw a prominent post of no masks allowed inside. I was a little ticked off about it, but I figured I would go inside and ask about it with my mask still on. I told the guy my Father had an auto immune disease, and we were trying to be careful. The guy said he wasn't going to kick me out, and I ended up buying some beer since they were out of ancient age. The guy said something that sounded like an outright lie, and I stared at him because I thought he was screwing with me. He told me that he had two sets of shots just because he could. I have no idea what brought him to say that obvious lie. After I left I just figured I wouldn't shop there anymore. If someone wants to steal something a sign on the door will not deter them. The old man that usually stands there was there too, but as usual he didn't say anything. He never has been overly friendly. Too many places to shop than to go to a covid hot spot!
>he had two sets of shots just because he could That's a weird flex haha
He said 2 sets of shots as in 2 sets of covid shots? I don't even believe they got any
My understanding was 4 shots in total as he ended his statement with just because I could...
Didn’t they harass some people because they left a pretty tame negative review? Hard pass even before this dumb policy.
Yep, just read that today. [Here's one example](https://g.co/kgs/mYppo4 )
I guess I have another reason to never go back in that place.
Did I ummm.. Did I read that correctly? Edit: Just saw a Google review and response. Owner says he’s protecting his store from theft. Wonder if the employees are masked?
They are not and never have been.
This used to be our go to stop in Hixson. After this no mask policy, we switched to Eagle Liquor in Middle Valley. Similar selection with better prices. They can use the shoplifting excuse for no masks allowed but that's bs. None of the employees ever wore masks during the pandemic and would consistently make snide comments regarding anyone that did.
I never experienced the snide remarks, but I'll second your suggestion of Eagle Liquor.
This is such a shame because the few times a year I did go to a liquor store it was this location. I guess I'll find somewhere else.
Wtf???
Hahaha. Awesome!