After way too many people are abandoning social distancing and essential needs orders at the store, Benton Township Police Chief Brian Smit has issued a cease & desist order to Lowe’s of Benton Harbor due to substantive activity in the store’s Nursery and Flower Garden Departments.
Smit issued a formal letter Saturday, saying, “It has been brought to our attention that an area of your business: Nursery/Flower Garden Area is still in operation. You are hereby notified to immediately cease and desist all activity in this area at your business and any other area of your business which is non-essential, per Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order No. 2020-21: Temporary requirement to suspend activities that are not necessary to sustain or protect life.”
He points out the time and date that the Governor’s order began and when it is slated to end, and then adds, “If you do not cease and desist all activities at your business, you will be cited for the misdemeanor charge of ‘Exectuive Orders-Violation’ (MCL 10.33), which is punishable by 90 days and/or $500 fine.”
Similar complaints about people and families doing leisurely strolling through big box stores in other communities have triggered arguments on both sides from people arguing that they have the right to shop, while there are shelter-in-place orders in widespread sections of America.
