BOONE, N.C. -- The Town of Boone announced that starting Saturday, all individuals in public indoor spaces will be required to wear a mask.

Law enforcement will immediately begin asking people to wear the masks, but will not issue penalties for three weeks to give people time to adjust.

Businesses in the area say they are happy with the new rule. They feel it is important for both employees and customers to be protected.

Bluebird Exchange owner Bryony Renouf says her business waited an extra month to open and has, for the past few days, asked customers to wear a mask when entering.

Renouf says some customers have got mad and one even threw their items and left. The owner says since their business focuses on babies, children, and pregnant women, she is not taking any chances.

"If they hadn't passed this ordinance and it became too difficult for us to stay open and require masks we would have just shut," Renouf says.

The Town of Boone says there are some that are exempt from wearing masks.

Those with a valid medical, religious, or behavioral concerns will not receive a fine. Children under the age of ten are also not required to wear one