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JCAR Upholds Governors Mask Enforcement Rules

By Michelle Mitchell Aug 11, 2020 | 9:40 PM

August 11, 2020 – A legislative oversight committee upheld Governor JB Pritzker’s mask enforcement rules for Illinois businesses, schools and daycare centers,

The rules create guidelines for enforcing the state’s mask mandate and social distancing requirements, ranging from a warning to fines for repeat offenders. The Governor’s General Counsel, Ann Spillane, says businesses need to post signs asking customers to wear a mask and provide masks to customers if possible.  They do not need to police those who say they can’t medically wear a mask.

Opponents argued that any enforcement measures sound be a part of State law and that businesses should not be held liable for customers refusing to wear a mask.  The Joint Committee on Administrative Rules let the guidelines stand.

The Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA) was one group not pleased by the ruling.  “We are disappointed the administrative rule was not stopped. Contrary to the false narrative peddled by the administration in recent days, retailers have never been against masks. In fact, the retail industry helped develop many of the safety guidelines put in place by the state, including the use of face coverings in public,” said Rob Karr, president and CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association.
 

The Illinois Fuel and Retail Association, representing the state’s gas stations and convenience stores, agreed with the IRMA.

“Doing business in Illinois during this unprecedented time of conflict and challenge is now even harder”, said Josh Sharp, CEO of the Illinois Fuel and Retail Association. “Requiring masks and punishing business owners, not customers, for not using them just doesn’t make sense. Businesses are struggling to open and stay open. We are not the problem, and yet again we are being treated as criminals. It’s not right, and it will not work.”