Gov. Whitmer, Mich. state officials commend bar and restaurant owners for compliance with COVID-19 orders
More than $3.3 million in financial relief went to 670 bar and restaurant owners across the state – a financial lifeline averaging $5,000 for businesses. Author: WTOL Staff Updated: 11:31 AM EST January 11, 2021
LANSING, Mich. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Attorney General Dana Nessel and other state officials issued statements Monday commending bar and restaurant owners for their ongoing compliance with emergency health orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Currently, licensed establishments are strictly prohibited from allowing in-person dining and gatherings, as defined by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Gatherings and Face Mask Order.
Over the last few months, agencies including the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC), Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), and the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) have stepped up their inspections of restaurants, bars, and other hospitality-related business to ensure that they’re staying compliant with COVID-19 safety precautions and statewide orders.
The goal is to keep patrons and workers safe while also slowing the spread of novel coronavirus within Michigan and making sure all establishments are held to the same standards. Agencies have used a variety of measures to deter operators from defying epidemic orders including issuing citations of up to $1,000 per day for indoor dining service and suspending liquor licenses and permits. While the fines listed below were issued, it’s possible that some businesses have entered into agreements with agencies to correct the issues and pay a reduced fine.
State leaders praise bar, restaurant owners for following COVID-19 emergency orders
and last updated 2021-01-11 10:13:50-05
LANSING, Mich. â Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and other state officials on Monday issued statements praising bar and restaurant owners for their ongoing compliance with the stateâs emergency health orders due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Indoor dining and gatherings are strictly prohibited under the current restrictions.
âOur bar and restaurant owners have made incredible sacrifices over the past 10 months to keep their communities safe and slow the spread of COVID-19,â Whitmer said. âMy administration has been working hard to secure crucial support for these businesses. I was proud to, among other things, negotiate with the legislature to sign a bipartisan supplemental budget that provides support for small business owners like these.â
State Emergency Operations Center
LANSING Today, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced the citations issued during December to establishments in violation of the public health order put in place to control the spread of COVID-19 and protect public health by establishing restrictions on gatherings, including prohibiting gatherings of patrons in food service establishments.
“I thank the vast majority of restaurant and bar owners for helping us contain the spread of COVID-19 by temporarily closing their indoor service,” said MDHHS Director Robert Gordon. “We continue to see improvements in the numbers, and we know that the public health orders we have put in place are working. I look forward to the day when indoor service can reopen.”