News Story

Whitmer Orders Bars To Close - Again

'They are noisy, requiring raised voices and allowing for more projection of viral droplets'

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has again ordered bars and night clubs to close their indoor service as of July 1. The order was her 143rd executive order this year.

Bars that are in regions of the state in "Phase 4" of the six-phase reopening plan Whitmer outlined in May are subject to the shutdown order. The Traverse City region and Upper Peninsula are considered to be Phase 5. The rest of the state is in Phase 4.

Restaurants and bars may remain open for outdoor seating, but only for seated customers at socially distanced tables, according to the executive order.

Restaurants, however, will not be ordered to close their indoor service at this time.

“Bars have many features that facilitate the spread of COVID-19: they are often crowded, indoors, and poorly ventilated,” Whitmer said in a press release. “They encourage mingling among groups and facilitate close contact over an extended period of time.”

In her reasoning for targeting bars, Whitmer cited they are noisy.

“They are noisy, requiring raised voices and allowing for more projection of viral droplets,” Whitmer said.

Michigan Capitol Confidential is the news source produced by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. Michigan Capitol Confidential reports with a free-market news perspective.