MARLBORO – To ensure the health and safety of the public during the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, Marlboro Mayor Jon Hornik has signed an executive order which limits the hours that restaurants’ dining rooms and bars may be open to the public.
Effective at 12:01 a.m. March 16, all bar and restaurant facilities must close to the public by 10 p.m., according to a press release from the township.
Restaurant seating capacity must be limited to 50% of the seating capacity in the
restaurant and bar area, if applicable. Food preparation for curbside pickup and delivery
may stay in operation past 10 p.m., according to the press release.
“In light of the local state of emergency and the state of emergency issued by Gov. Phil Murphy, it is a matter of public health and safety that these restrictions be put into effect,” Hornik said.
“The public and local businesses should be prepared for further restrictions and possible restaurant closures in the coming days or weeks, and furthermore, the state health department may take additional action to prevent the spread of the virus in our community,” he added.
On March 9, Murphy issued Executive Order 103 concerning the outbreak of COVID-19 in New Jersey. The governor’s executive order allows for the suspension of enforcement of any ordinance, according to the press release.
Marlboro Police Chief Peter J. Pezzullo, who serves as Marlboro’s emergency
management coordinator, subsequently issued a local state of emergency declaration ahead of Hornik’s executive order, according to the press release.
“It is a matter of public health and safety that these restrictions be put into effect,” Pezzullo said. “Violations of this order … shall be punishable by one or more of the following: imprisonment in the county jail or in any place provided by the township for the detention of prisoners for any term not exceeding 90 days, or by a fine not exceeding $2,000, or a period of community service not to exceed 90 days.
“In case of a continuing violation, each day of the violation shall constitute a separate offense. In the case of a fine imposed upon a corporation, the fine and costs may be collected in a civil action … It is our hope and expectation that businesses are equally concerned about their patrons’ well-being and willingly comply with these restrictions,” Pezzullo said.
“While we are aware our restaurants and other retail establishments operate on thin margins and represent an important part of our community, it is prudent for us all to consider some common sense changes on how we do business,” Hornik said.
“While remaining diligent and following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, state and county health department guidance, please continue to patronize these establishments
and even consider purchasing gift cards for future use to help local merchants through
this difficult time,” the mayor said.
Hornik’s COVID-19 updates may be viewed on the township website at
www.marlboro-nj.gov
