Tri-Cities businesses face $10,000 fines, closure for not following coronavirus rules

Businesses in Washington could face fines up to $10,000 and be forced to close if they are operating in direct violation of Gov. Jay Inslee’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy orders.

As the coronavirus took hold in the state all businesses not deemed essential were ordered temporarily closed in late March to slow the spread of the new coronavirus.

But a number of Tri-Cities businesses have not waited to reopen — or refused to close in the first place.

Last week, the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries said that under an emergency rule, businesses can be cited for being open or operating in a way that is purposely defying the phased-in approach and putting workers and customers at risk.

“We’re all in this together, and most businesses are doing the right thing for our state and our communities. Unfortunately, there are some that are choosing not to,” said L&I Director Joel Sacks. “The coronavirus is a known workplace hazard and businesses must follow the requirements to keep their workers and the public safe.”

If the department determines a business is defying state orders, owners will be informed and directed to close or adjust operations immediately.

If they don’t, they could face a costly citation.

Investigations will include contact by phone and writing as well as in-person visits, said state officials, who said people concerned about violations could submit a complaint form online.

Reopening doors

Some small business owners, including lawn care companies, gun shops and car washes, have been arguing they fit the definition of essential.

“We consider ourselves essential,” said Community Thrift in Richland on its Facebook page.

“If you look at the guidelines for an essential business such as selling office supplies, home improvement items, tools, etc., we fit many of the criteria and at much lower prices than many of the traditional retail stores that never closed,” said the post, though the owners declined to be interviewed by the Herald.

The store’s post maintains the thrift has items people on tight budgets need. And it said face masks and hand sanitizer will be supplied to employees, and they are focusing on a clean environment to keep staff and shoppers safe.

JOANN Fabrics and Crafts in Kennewick also had been keeping its doors open, but switched to curbside purchases just last week on May 25.

A manager at the store on Columbia Center Boulevard referred the Herald to its corporate office, but said the change is because “the governor says you cannot operate unless you are totally essential.”

“It’s not fair to employers who are following the law when other businesses defy it,” said the L&I release.

State liquor licenses

The L&I news release said that agency’s role will complement the efforts of the Liquor and Cannabis Board and other state licensing and permitting agencies.

Earlier this month, the liquor board told the Herald it planned to issue a warning to the Richland restaurant 3 Eyed Fish Kitchen & Bar following complaints about two outdoor parking lot parties.

State officials contended the Keene Road events including live music violated the state restrictions.

But it’s clear Tri-Citians are split on the issue.

“We appreciate the overwhelming support we have received. Most of you are absolutely amazing!!” said a restaurant Facebook post. “However, we have received some harassment calls and emails and MAN! some of y’all have dirty, raunchy mouths. If you call us to harass us, we will hang up on you.”

On May 20, the Liquor and Cannabis Board announced it will now issue violations up to an emergency license suspension for liquor-licensed businesses who operate illegally during the Stay Home order.

The agency previously had taken an educational approach and issued warnings with an emphasis on voluntary compliance.

Other small Tri-Cities businesses have decided they won’t continue.

Longtime Tri-City bookstore, The Bookworm, announced its closure May 20 because of the economic hit from the coronavirus shutdown.

“The store closing is strictly due to the fact that we had to close down and had a near complete loss of revenue,” said the owners when announcing their plans to retire.

The store had been open 46 years.

On Friday, Inslee announced plans to ease Washington state requirements that could put Benton and Franklin counties closer to being able to open up more businesses.

But both Tri-Cities counties are currently not yet close to meeting some of the key new targets — including more testing and reducing the number of new cases — to move from Phase 1 to Phase 2.

However, county commissioners in both counties plan to meet this week to work on applying to the state to try to lift some restrictions.