A restaurant in Yorkshire, England has stirred controversy after posting a sign on the entrance to their establishment denouncing face masks and their users.

The Mama Mia pizza restaurant and takeaway in the coastal town of Scarborough made headlines with its “no masks allowed” policy at a time when social distancing to prevent resurgences of coronavirus infection rates has inculcated a sense of fear into many.

In spite of the recent Black Lives Matter protests, flouting social distancing, images of so-called “COVID-19 Compliance Officers” have circulated the internet. One such officer was captured failing to adhere to social distancing in an amusing image.

However, despite recent antics, the local takeaway posted:

“NO MASKS ALLOWED

“Masks are for:

Following mounting pressure from the public, the establishment quickly removed the sign as shocked social media users condemned them for believing that they were “above the government”.

Due to the controversial nature of the short-lived policy, the restaurant’s ratings on social media tanked as cautious would-be customers flooded the restaurant with poor reviews.

The decision polarized debate with some messages being supportive of the eatery’s bold measure–days after the UK government decided to make the use of face masks mandatory in shops, supermarkets, and other public places. Restaurants and bars were made exempt from the requirement.