They're anxious over backlash from customers.
The Health Minister says regulations are being drawn up to make face masks mandatory in shops.
Customers now have to wear face coverings in all stores.
But it's unclear how it will be policed and what penalties will be enforced.
Minister Stephen Donnelly says they are working on it:
Paul Lynam from The King Oak store in Tullamore agrees with the wearing of face masks, but is worried about how the measure will be policed:
Unanimous Vote Supports €20m Midlands Hospice Project
Construction is set to begin in 2026.
Drink Driving Rider Arrested After Illegal E-Scooter Seized In Offaly
The rider arrested was eight times over the legal limit.
Drug-Driving Surge Sparks Calls For Christmas Crackdown
A Westmeath town saw the highest increase in the region.
Revenue Seize Over €243k In Contraband In The Midlands
139 weapons were also seized.
Tributes Paid To Laois Man Following Accident
Ballacolla's Sean Geoghegan passed away on Saturday following an accident.
Midlands Hospice Planning Application Passed By Offaly County Council
The local authority will adjust the county development plan for the 20 bed facility,
Tolü Makay Joins Cast of DWTS Ireland
The Tullamore singer is the second Midlands celeb to be added to the 2026 lineup.
HSE Warn Flu Season Is Most Severe In Years
They're urging as many people as possible to get the flu vaccine over the next few days.
Laois Motorist Caught Speeding At 149 km/h
It comes as the Gardai and RSA are asking people to be cautious on the roads over Christmas.
Offaly Woman Opposing Removal Of Roadside Memorial Removals
Government is advising local authorities to limit them where the speed limit is 60 km/h.
White Christmas Possible For Midlands
Rhode's Cathal Nolan, founder of Ireland's Weather Channel, says snow is possible during the festive period.
Midlands Campaign Urges Church To Explain McGregor Wedding Decision
McGregor was found liable in a civil court for sexual violence.
Gardaí Search Suspected Westmeath Brothel
The premises is in Athlone.
Offaly TD Backs Taoiseach Ahead Of Fianna Fail Campaign Review
A report on the party's failed presidential campaign is expected to be published this week.
Westmeath Distillery Showcased At European Parliament
It marks 50 years of EU Japan relations.
Mental Health Charity Launches Festive Support Groups Over Christmas
Daily themed support groups will be held at from December 25th until January 1st.
Midlands Man Acquitted Of Father’s Murder On Grounds Of Insanity
A medical expert at the Central Mental Hospital will now assess Ross O’Rourke.
I Hope My Son Has A Farm To Come Home To - IFA President
A Europe-wide protest is taking place in Brussels this week.
Ticket Prices Set To Rise For National Ploughing Championships
A quarter of a million people attended this year's Ploughing Championship.
Taoiseach Warns Of Threats To Energy And Communication Cables
Micheál Martin is calling for stronger protections for key undersea infrastructure.
