CC MEETING: July 7, 2020
DATE: June 30, 2020
TO: Erin Rinehart, City Manager
FROM: Meredith Ladd, City Attorney
Title
Consider An Ordinance Requiring Stores And Businesses To Implement A Health And Safety Policy And Providing For A Fine Not To Exceed $50.00 For Certain Violations Beginning 11:59 PM On July 7, 2020 Until 12:01 AM On September 1, 2020.
Body
BACKGROUND:
As COVID-19 cases have surged in the North Texas region, many cities and counties have adopted orders or ordinances requiring that stores and businesses implement a health and safety policy that requires, at a minimum, masks to be worn in the establishment and social distancing measures. Instead of issuing citations or penalties to individuals, Governor Abbott has allowed local governments to require that stores and business enforce masking requirements, through a citation or fine on the business. A business may enforce their policy through a criminal trespass notice, if police action is necessary, due to non-compliance.
This Ordinance establishes the same requirements on stores and businesses that are required in Dallas County, but not in Denton or Collin Counties. The City of Denton has established this requirement and Plano is considering such a requirement on June 30. This Ordinance complies with the Governor’s current executive order and does not authorize a fine to an individual.
IMPACT ON COMMUNITY SUSTAINABILITY:
The health and safety of residents is vital to the City and this Ordinance is intended to help protect residents from the spread of COVID-19.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION/ACTION DESIRED:
Staff recommends adoption of this Ordinance to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.