PORTAGE, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — A Kalamazoo County car wash company has agreed to close for business during the stay-at-home order after initially remaining open to customers.
Crystal Car Wash in Portage received a cease and desist letter from Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office, saying that the services offered did not count as critical infrastructure outlined in Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order. As of April 3rd the location on 8387 Portage Road was still open for business two weeks into the order being in effect.
The letter was sent in cooperation with Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeff Getting to the business last Friday. It in part stated that “despite clear guidance” the car wash was still open and maintaining on-site operations, and requested that the owners take immediate action to close and comply with the stay-at-home order.
“The failure to voluntarily comply with this request will result in these complaints being forwarded to local law enforcement agencies for enforcement action,” the letter goes on to say.
Car washes are prohibited from remaining open during the stay-at-home order because the state government does not consider them necessary to broadly sustain or protect life. Governor Whitmer’s office has posted a guide for businesses on the state’s official coronavirus webpage that lists criteria for which operations can remain open.
The governor’s executive order took effect on March 24th and is set to expire on April 13th, though she has spoken of the possibility of extending it further.
Michigan residents and businesses caught violating the order originally faced misdemeanor penalties including a $500 fine or up to 90 days in jail. Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Robert Gordon last week increased the penalties after he issued an emergency order, increasing fines punishable up to $1000.
