Delaware officials plan to issue additional guidance as some businesses move to appointments or pick up services.
This comes after the state allowed gunshops, pet daycare, and car dealers to stay open under an appointment system. Some gun dealers had initially resisted closing, citing constitutional rights.
Cease and desist orders were issued to the stores prior to the revision.
Delaware opted to change the status of gun and ammunition dealers to appointment only, following the lead of neighboring Pennsylvania.
The federal government has also listed gun dealers as essential businesses, with governors in other states having no choice but to reopen stores.
Delaware Division of Small Business spokesman Michael Chesney confirmed that the state will work to offer more details on businesses. on the margins of being essential.
The division has been responding to a flood of requests from customers and businesses with the state issuing a revised list. (See story below).
Over the weekend, some complained that video game and beauty supply stores were staying open. They have also called for stepped-up enforcement.
GameStop, the largest video game player in Delaware went to an online order and store pick up system that limits store traffic.
Beauty supply store owners may believe their businesses are covered under an industry code category that includes pharmacies, according to Chesney.
“We understand this is a challenging, and potentially confusing, time for every company and ask business owners to consider not just the letter but the spirit of the safety measures Gov. Carney has put in place to protect the health and welfare of all Delawareans,” Chesney stated.
Liquor stores continued to draw similar fire for being open. In much of the country, the stores are allowed to stay open, since alcoholic beverages are available in supermarkets. Others claim that closing the stores would lead some problem drinkers to go into withdrawal and further burden the health system.
Some beauty supply stores remained fully open, with one such business in Bear offering protective masks and gloves. Masks are in short supply for medical professionals and are used in-salon service businesses. Salons have been shut down under the state’s emergency order.
Sally Beauty, a nationwide chain, closed all Delaware stores.
Chesney said beauty suppliers may be justifying staying open by using business codes that cover pharmacies.
“We understand this is a challenging, and potentially confusing, time for every company and ask business owners to consider not just the letter but the spirit of the safety measures Gov. Carney has put in place to protect the health and welfare of all Delawareans,” Chesney stated.
He noted that individuals who want to report potential non-compliance should call the state police non-emergency line at 302-739-5901.
Click on the headline below for an earlier story that includes a revised essential-nonessential list.
