LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — In the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Attorney General Dana Nessel has issued a second warning against hardware store chain Menards.
Previously, Menards was under fire by Nessel for instances of price-gouging cleaning supplies.
Now, Nessel’s office has confirmed more complaints in regards to the chain, saying that the company’s stores have been engaging in business practices which might endanger the health of customers and employees.
Those complaints include marketing and sales practices designed to increase customer presence in Menards stores.
As a result, Nessel’s office has sent an additional letter to the chain. The letter demands that Menards cease any and all activities that run contrary to the spirit and intent of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” executive order. The Stay Home, Stay Safe order requires businesses to temporarily limit or suspend on-site operations to only those necessary to sustain or protect life.
Additionally, the number of workers on-site should be reduced to only those needed to perform those specific operations. Nessel has since issued a video regarding this subject.
“The current climate should not be viewed through the lens of business opportunism where dollars drive decisions over the good of the public’s health,” said Nessel. “We have asked that Menards cease any and all practices that run contrary to the spirit and intent of the Governor’s Stay Home, Stay Safe Order, including marketing sales to draw large numbers of the general public into their stores for non-emergency purposes.”
Under the order, Menards is permitted to remain open. However, its business operations are restricted by other limitations in the order. They are allowed to supply goods “necessary to maintain and improve the safety, sanitation and essential operations of a residence,” and should have as few employees as needed to support those sales.
Willful violations of the Stay Home, Stay Safe executive order can result in a $500 fine and/or 90 days in jail for each offense. Violations should be reported to law enforcement agencies overseeing the jurisdiction in which the alleged offense occurred.
The Attorney General’s office recently added a new section to its website, Know Your Employment Rights, to provide Michigan residents with more information on the legal rights of employees and employers under the executive order.
Additional information for employers can be found on the Guidance for Business page on the state’s website devoted to COVID-19.
