An anti-masker has damaged property belonging to a Byron Op Shop after being asked to wear a mask and sign in

The co-ordinator of the store has called for people to respect each other as their volunteers try to abide by state-imposed public health orders.

An anti-masker has unleashed a “confronting” outburst upon a Byron Bay Op Shop run by volunteers. Picture: CasarsaGuru

The co-ordinator of a Byron Bay op shop has called for people to be respectful after an anti-masker damaged property at the store.

Cathryn Stavert has expressed concerns about the “entitlement” of some who have visited the Anglican Church Op Shop on Kingsley Street, with damage caused to some of their property at the weekend in a “confronting” incident.

Ms Stavert said the store had closed for two weeks because they had difficulty securing volunteer numbers during the Sydney lockdown, due to Covid-19 concerns.

Last Friday, when she was in the store, there was one disagreement with someone who refused to wear a mask.

“It was all going well … until I think the last three quarters of an hour,” she said.

She said she was personally challenged by the customer.

The following day, another volunteer messaged Ms Stavert in the afternoon to report there had been “an incident”.

She said this time, a customer was abusive toward the volunteer when asked to sign in and wear a mask, as required by the NSW government’s current public health orders.

She said the customer damaged signs and rainbow flags outside the store.

Ms Stavert said adhering to the rules was a matter of respect for volunteers – who have a responsibility to uphold the restrictions – and others visiting the store.

“I said if we don’t do the right thing it comes back on us,” she said.

She said the behaviour was “disappointing”.

“I just don’t believe the town’s going this way just over Covid,” she said.

“We don’t want to see the town going down that track.

“If you want to enter a shop, we welcome you, but please due to the Covid concerns and the elderly that are vulnerable … respect each other.

“It’s not the shop or store’s own fault that these restrictions are in place.

“It’s the situation we all facing in the world at present.

“We are just following instructions in place to protect us all.”

She said a meeting was planned to be held with management on Tuesday, when they will consider whether they have enough volunteers to remain open.

Ms Stavert said she was hopeful the team could “soldier on”.

Ms Stavert said they had no CCTV footage of the incident and they have not pursued a police investigation at this time.