New Jersey Governor Executive Order Requires Shutdown of Gaming, Racetracks, Gyms, Entertainment Centers
Effective 8:00 p.m. on March 16, 2020, by Executive Order, New Jersey is requiring the closure of certain businesses and all schools, while curtailing the operations of other businesses.
The state will require the closure of the following business operations in New Jersey:
- Casino gaming floors, sports wagering lounges, and casino concert/entertainment venues
- Racetracks, including stables and wagering lounges
- Gyms, fitness centers, and any classes
- Entertainment centers such as movie theatres, performing arts centers, concert venues, and nightclubs
The closures will remain in effect until lifted by the state.
The Executive Order also requires “non-essential retail, recreational, and entertainment businesses” to cease operations from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. each day. Moreover, to the extent any such business remains in operation, occupancy must be limited to no more than 50 persons to comply with social distancing guidelines.
Excluded from the Executive Order are “essential businesses,” which include:
- Grocery/food stores
- Pharmacies
- Medical supply stores
- Gas stations
- Healthcare facilities
- Ancillary stores within healthcare facilities
The Executive Order also requires restaurants, dining establishments, bars, and food courts to limit offerings to food delivery or take-out.
Finally, the Executive Order closes all schools effective March 18, 2020, until further notice and prohibits gatherings to 50 or fewer persons. This restriction, however, does not apply to the normal operations at airports, bus stations, train stations, medical facilities, office environments, factories, assemblies for the purposes of industrial or manufacturing work, construction sites, mass transit, or for the purchase of groceries or consumer goods.
The COVID-19 situation remains fluid with constant changes. Jackson Lewis attorneys will apprise you of any updates that may affect your business. Please contact us with any questions.
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