Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered businesses to reject customers from entering their building without a mask. This has created widespread concern among owners about the erratic position this order leaves them in.

Moreover, the mandate requires people to wear masks even in enclosed public spaces, as well as in crowded events citing the rise in coronavirus cases in Michigan. Those who fail to follow the guidance could be subject to a $500 misdemeanor, while businesses allowing unmasked customers are likely to have their license suspended.

In the order, Whitmer pointed out that several regions in Michigan have witnessed an increase in coronavirus cases over the past couple of weeks, with daily case counts surpassing 20 cases per million in Lansing, Detroit, and the Grand Rapids regions.

She attributed the increasing number of cases to people not wearing masks, and cited research to show that the previously issued orders were not followed to the T. In other words, people ignored orders that restrict them from visiting public spaces without wearing face coverings.

While a large number of business owners understand and appreciate the idea behind the mask mandate, they are not happy with the fact that they would be held responsible if patrons enter their establishments unmasked. This puts business owners in precarious situations.

President and CEO of Michigan Retailers Association Bill Hallan released a statement on July 10 noting that retailers and retail employees support Whitmer’s efforts to encourage more residents to wear masks in enclosed, public spaces; however, they are not happy about the fact that she did not restrict the duty of enforcing the mandate only to law enforcement officers.

Hallan said the new mandate places retail employees in a potentially threatening situation when they have no choice but to confront customers that refuse to wear masks. One of the exemptions in the executive order suggests children under 5 are allowed entry without a mask.

Under the mandate, people who are exercising, eating, drinking, speaking publically, or at a religious event and anyone who has been advised not to wear a mask for medical reasons is not required to wear a mask. On the downside, the stipulations have sparked concerns among business owners about their liability.

Hallan pointed out that determining the validity of a vague mandate isn't an easy task for a retailer, adding that retailers acting in good faith could risk getting their license taken due to actions of unmasked customers.