Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) admitted on Monday that while protecting residents' health is of the upmost importance, there are also consequences for keeping the state economy closed. He wants to reopen, he said, but it's up to Ohioans to do so safely by sticking to new state guidelines. And according to the governor, not every business is taking the restrictions seriously.
"When we look at how restaurants/bars operate, distance is key," DeWine tweeted. "We got reports over the weekend that most were doing an amazing job. But, it's clear that we have some outliers - businesses that were not doing what they should do."
So, the governor is now taking punitive measures against the rebel businesses, including some "potential criminal actions."
We are marshaling all the resources at our disposal to assemble a large contingent of law enforcement and health officials from across state agencies and from our local communities.
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) May 18, 2020
We will coordinate with them as part of the Department of Public Safety’s Ohio Investigative Unit. They will surge in to conduct safety compliance checks in crowded bars and restaurants.
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) May 18, 2020
They will issue administrative citations that could result in the revocation of liquor licenses. Further, we will work with municipal prosecutors to take potential criminal actions against these bad actors.
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) May 18, 2020
Some of DeWine's followers demanded he reopen the state and let them live their lives.
We are adults!! We can make our own decisions. Many people feel confident that we can make the decisions to what is best for ourselves!!! Stop the restrictions.
— Melody Snyder (@Melody_Snyder) May 18, 2020
Business owners in other states are discovering just how draconian some of these coronavirus-related ordinances have become. In Dallas, Texas, hair salon owner Shelley Luther was jailed for opening her facility Salon a la Mode, until Gov. Greg Abbot revised his stay-at-home to retroactively prohibit such arrests.
As the nationwide rate of coronavirus cases continues to decline, more states have begun their Phase One reopening plans.
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