Erie County Legislators Frank Todaro, Ed Rath, Joe Lorigo, 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 Todaro said, “This is a scary time for small business owners.  Rules and regulations seem to change every day.  They have more questions than answers, and it seems like they don’t have a voice in the process.  This law gives them a voice, delivering transparency and accountability in uncertain times.  Ultimately, it creates an added layer of protection between small business owners and government bureaucrats that is badly needed right now.”

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