Is there anything redeemable about the times picayune/ nola.com?

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“As we reopen the economy more in Louisiana, let’s do more for good business.

We can better support our good businesses by cracking down on bad business.

Too many people, and too many businesses, refuse to cooperate with local, parish and state COVID-19 limitations, so we’re living with this novel coronavirus longer than necessary. Unfortunately, too many of us got cabin fever too quickly, went out to play and that fun has us in Phase 3 across the state and in Phase 2 in New Orleans. We could be doing better.

We’ve seen too many businesses lose a lot of business, and others close. We’ve seen too many people lose their livelihoods and incomes. I’ve argued for putting people over commerce, and I haven’t changed my tune. But it’s time to stop some of the bleeding, with some pain. Let’s identify the spots that are causing us pain and apply some serious pressure. It might hurt them, but it’s for the better good. It’s for good business. And public safety.

Two Louisiana bars' permits reinstated after agreeing to fine for violating coronavirus rules

I saw a convenience store gas station clearly marked with a sign saying no one would be served without a mask. I went in, got some green tea and got in line — behind a guy with a handkerchief around his neck. I wish the guy would cooperate. I’m more upset about the business violating its own rules that are consistent with the state mask mandate.

In various state agencies, there might be 200 people who can handle enforcement. That’s not a lot of people, and they can’t dip into local-specific violations like those in New Orleans. But we can do more by stepping up enforcement with those who are caught.

In New Orleans, there were 912 complaints about large gatherings from Aug. 1 through Wednesday, including 700 private party issues under bridges and highways, at parks and other public spaces, and 212 at businesses, according to New Orleans Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Peter Bowen. The people gathering with family and scores of their closest friends are wrong, and they should be punished. I’m not mad at New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell for suggesting that something more needs to be done to get people’s attention, like maybe withholding unemployment benefits from those who violate city masking and social distancing orders.

Why close Louisiana bars but not restaurants? Federal court hears arguments over coronavirus mandates

Though I’m not certain this is the specific path, I agree that violating individuals should be held accountable just as businesses should. The New Orleans Police Department shouldn’t have to respond to 700 such reports when we have far too many crimes involving injury and death that must be investigated. Code Enforcement Director Winston Reid is out daily and on weekends leading more than 10 inspectors. There's a COVID-related task force handling 311 complaints during normal business hours, and a different group works weekends.

Just recently, there were about eight cease-and-desist orders issued to city businesses tracked by the Orleans Parish Communications District, according to Bowen, who supervises land use, code enforcement and more. He said those businesses are required to submit a plan outlining next steps about how they will comply with city mandates or they don’t get to resume business. The city checks for compliance. I think that’s fair and reasonable. But it doesn’t go far enough.

In mid-July, I suggested that we unmask business violators. By late July, the Alcohol Tobacco Control (ATC) suspended some bar permits, pending hearings. The ATC suspended permits for the Sand Dollar Tiki Bar in Grand Isle, the Frosty Factory in Lake Charles, the Pelican Pub in Gonzales and Wo-de’s Chill Spot in Harvey for “excessive” or “repeated” noncompliance with Gov. John Bel Edwards’ COVID-19 orders. The Pelican Pub in Gonzalez agreed to a $250 fine and is on probation. The others agreed to similar settlements. One bar, the Junkyard in Monroe, announced it was open for business when it wasn't allowed. Its permit was suspended, and there's a Sept. 30 hearing. Two restaurants were closed by the Louisiana Department of Health. I think that’s fair and reasonable. But it doesn’t go far enough.

Edwards has directed agencies to educate, inform then lean heavy on businesses rather than drop the hammer. Only after clear, continuous, intentional violations has he wanted to see action. Though we’ve moved into Phase 3, with limitations, the White House still had our state in a red zone. That’s dangerous.

We know there are other business violators. We don’t know the names of the New Orleans business establishments with cease-and-desist orders. That’s not fair, it’s not reasonable and we’re not helping good business.

Publish the names and penalties for each “excessive” or “repeat” violating businesses. Add it to the COVID-19 dashboard, or create a separate space. Bowen said the city wants to be reasonable with businesses, but stand by; “creative” options may be forthcoming.

It’s hammer time. Some need whacking.“

Cheering for businesses to be shut down.
This paper deserves to go out of business and all its employees lose their jobs. Then see how it feels. F this guy.