Michigan restaurants, already having a rough time because of COVID-19, must now collect contact information from patrons, if the patrons are willing to supply it. | Adobe Stock
Michigan restaurants, already having a rough time because of COVID-19, must now collect contact information from patrons, if the patrons are willing to supply it. | Adobe Stock
Sen. Ken Horn (R-Frankenmuth) said an easing of restrictions on the state’s restaurants in response to the COVID-19 pandemic would help an industry he described as “hanging by a thread.”
“After voicing my concerns last week, I’m glad to see the (Health) Department walk back this burden on a crucial Michigan industry,” Horn said, according to MiSenateGOP. “Since the mandate was announced, folks in the restaurant industry across the state have expressed both confusion and concern over what the order meant for their business. I’m happy to see not only some of the confusion addressed, but the additional guidance soften the requirements as well.”
The report said the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services had clarified its requirement for restaurants to maintain accurate customer lists to provide for contact tracing of the coronavirus. Under the clarification, restaurants and businesses are not required to deny customers entry who do not wish to volunteer personal information, and they are also prohibited from demanding proof of identification.
Sen. Ken Horn
| #MiSenateGOP
Restaurants and businesses are also not liable for customers or diners who provide them with false information.
“The hospitality industry has taken a hit at every turn since this virus came to Michigan,” Horn told MiSenateGOP. “This is an industry where many struggle to get on their feet, and one that has an incredibly fragile recovery rate. Small business owners have done everything asked of them, and then some, to protect both their employees and customers during COVID-19 — and the last thing they need is yet more unfunded mandates from Lansing that do nothing but push them closer toward closing their doors.”
Horn indicated that making the rules more clear about COVID-19 restrictions so that everyone can understand them is a desirable goal.
“While I am glad the Department answered some of our questions and has lessened the burden stemming from the original order, I still hope for a call to my office offering my colleagues and me a seat at the table of these discussions,” he said, according to MiSenateGOP.
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