Governor Whitmer Issues Executive Order Restricting Access to and Use of Places of Public Accommodation

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March 16, 2020, Governor Whitmer signed an Executive Order restricting the use of places of “public accommodation” in the latest step in the State’s effort to combat the spread of COVID-19.  This Executive Order took effect on Monday, March 16 at 3:00 p.m. and ends on March 31.

This Executive Order will impact many organizations and businesses, including restaurants, bars, gyms, recreation centers, theatres, libraries, museums, casinos, and other private clubs, by temporarily prohibiting members of the public from using or occupying these places of public accommodation.  The Executive Order specifically excludes grocery stores, pharmacies, convenience stores, and other stores that “offer food and beverage not for on-premises consumption.”  Health care and residential care facilities are also specifically excluded from the Executive Order. Finally, the Order allows – and encourages – restaurants and bars to provide take-out and delivery services for food and beverages, provided that they follow certain restrictions and take certain precautions.

If you have any questions or concerns about whether and how your operations may be impacted by this Order, please contact your Miller Johnson attorney promptly.

The full Executive Order can be found here:  https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/0,9309,7-387-90499_90705-521789–,00.html