Erie County Legislators John Mills, Joe Lorigo, Ed Rath, and Frank Todaro 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 Mills said, “As a longtime owner of a food distribution business in Orchard Park, I have experienced firsthand the challenges created by New York State. Business owners and their employees need leadership that is willing to bring them to the table, especially during the challenging times we currently face. The Business Closure Reporting Act accounts for the importance of public safety while seeking to protect these establishments from a potential wrongful closure.”

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