(WXYZ) — A southeast Michigan car wash owner was sent a cease and desist for allegedly violating the Stay Home, Stay Safe executive order.
Three Fast Splash Car Wash locations received tickets for violating the order, but Attorney General Dana Nessel's office says the business has continued to operate.
Violations of the order can result in a $1,000 fine and/or 90 days in jail for each offense.
When contacted by officers conducting enforcement, employees at multiple locations allegedly told authorities that another police officer said the business could stay open. The AG's office said that was not the case.
The police officer reportedly spoke with the owner and told him the business must temporarily suspend operations due to its status as a nonessential service.
“The State has provided clear guidance that the operations of this type of business are ‘not necessary to sustain or protect life’ as noted in the Stay Home, Stay Safe executive order,” Nessel said. “People continue to die each day from COVID-19, and we all must stay the course and comply with the order to protect as many lives as possible. I know Prosecutor Worthy shares my feelings that anyone recklessly disobeying the executive orders and authorities enforcing them, will face consequences.”
“Collaboration is a key component to overcoming any public emergency, and each of us must do our part to work through this current COVID-19 pandemic,” Worthy said. “This public health emergency has presented challenges for many of us, and I appreciate the leadership coming from the offices of Attorney General Nessel and Gov. Whitmer. In times like these, hard decisions must be made and ones that put the safety of Michigan’s residents first are the right decisions to make. When violations are reported and confirmed, they will be taken seriously.”
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