Rockford businesses face a fine for violating Gov. J.B. Pritzker's executive order.
Rockford businesses face a fine for violating Gov. J.B. Pritzker's executive order.
The Rockford City Council has signed off on an ordinance that completely paves the way for code officials to enforce Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s closure of nonessential businesses during the coronavirus pandemic.
Under the guidelines of the ordinance, violators could be fined as much as $750 a day for ignoring the statewide emergency first enacted on March 20.
“I know some people would think this ordinance enforcing the governor’s order may be draconian,” Rockford Ald. Tim Durkee told the Rockford Star. “It’s always difficult balancing civil liberties against protection for citizenry. But this makes a good statement.”
Durkee said strong enforcement is needed across the region to make sure the spread of the deadly virus is as limited as it can be.
While Mayor Tom McNamara noted most Rockford businesses have adhered to emergency guidelines, he added some owners needed several warnings about remaining closed until the executive order has been lifted.
According to City Legal Director Nicholas Meyer, during the first few days of the order his office sent at least a dozen letters to businesses warning them to comply with the shutdown.
“Our goal is to get voluntary compliance,” Meyer told the Rockford Star. “We don’t see a need for fines unless we absolutely have to. We don’t just make a determination; we reach out to them and discuss it with them.”
In addition to ordering that all businesses deemed nonessential to remain closed, Pritzker’s order mandates that residents stay home for all but essential business.
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