Erie County Legislators Joe Lorigo, Ed Rath, Frank Todaro, and John Mills held a press conference Tuesday morning to announce the Business Closure Reporting Act, a law that would require county departments, employees, or elected officials ordering the closure of a business to submit a report of justification to the Legislature and business within 48 hours of making that decision.

Throughout the Covid-19 outbreak, businesses, including Erie County bars and restaurants, have been required to follow strict guidelines set in place by New York State. These rules and regulations have subjected businesses to higher scrutiny and regular check-ins from Erie County Health Department sanitarians, which have led to the recent closure of several establishments throughout the county. The Business Closure Reporting Act advocates for greater transparency and would require the following:

• A detailed written report that provides justification for the decision to order the closure, signed by the Erie County government official ordering the closure; 

• A copy of the official order or communication closing the place of business; and 

• Any and all evidence in the possession of Erie County government on which the closure was based.

Legislator Lorigo said, “Business owners deserve a government that is willing to help them succeed. Right now, every industry is dealing with new rules and regulations at a dizzying pace, and some have been closed with no guidance.  Our law creates greater accountability and transparency by requiring a report of justification within 48 hours of any closure order. The report will ensure closing a business is used only as a last resort, and only when proper justification exists.”

Legislators Lorigo, Todaro, Rath, and Mills hope to schedule a public hearing in the near future before the law is considered for full approval of the Legislature.