Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer s administration on Monday rescinded a rule that limits restaurant tables to no more than six people, a day after she apologized for ignoring the COVID-19 regulation
It was an honest mistake. I have apologized for it, Whitmer told reporters. Violations of coronavirus orders are enforced against employers, not customers. State regulators have fined more than 280 employers. Asked if the Landshark should be fined and, if not, if she would lift fines on other businesses, the governor said the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration has specifically not gone forward and penalized businesses that are trying to do the right thing. It s those that have flouted and put people s safety at risk that are the most concerning. Later Monday, the Ingham County Health Department reported having received a complaint about a party at the Landshark exceeding six guests, but said it decided against enforcement action because non-critical restaurant complaints are initially treated as education/consultation for the owner/manager.
View Comments
The Michigan House on Tuesday approved legislation that would forgive fines assessed on some businesses found to be in violation of the state s emergency COVID-19 workplace rules.
The legislation by state Rep. Timothy Beson, R-Bay City, would stop the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration from issuing fines for first-time offenses if the employer takes corrective action.
The bill also requires the state to forgive or reimburse employers who paid civil fines for a violation that occurred under executive orders later overturned Oct. 2 by the Michigan Supreme Court or fines issued under any current orders if they re ruled unconstitutional in the future.
It was an honest mistake. I have apologized for it, Whitmer told reporters.
Violations of coronavirus orders are enforced against employers, not customers. State regulators have fined more than 280 employers.
Asked if the Landshark should be fined and, if not, if she would lift fines on other businesses, the governor said the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration has “specifically not gone forward and penalized businesses that are trying to do the right thing. It s those that have flouted and put people s safety at risk that are the most concerning.”
Later Monday, the Ingham County Health Department reported having received a complaint about a party at the Landshark exceeding six guests, but said it decided against enforcement action because “non-critical restaurant complaints are initially treated as education/consultation for the owner/manager.