ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson says she is moving to close businesses that have continued to ignore public health orders and put the public’s safety in jeopardy.
A statement from Krewson's office states some "non-compliant bars and nightclubs" will be forced to close for 14 days as "an effort to bring them into compliance like many other businesses."
It could affect businesses that have previously received cease and desist letters from the City’s Department of Health but have continued to openly disregard rules that require people to socially distance and wear masks as evident from reports and social media posts.
“So many of our businesses including bars, restaurants, large venues, retail stores, and offices, have gone to great lengths to strictly comply with our mandates to protect their workers and the public. They’re doing it right,” says Krewson. “Establishments who continue to openly flout these rules and endanger the public’s health and safety can no longer stay open.”
The new initiative comes after videos were shared on social media from a downtown bar, Wheelhouse, showing jam-packed crowds on the dance floor this weekend.
The city says it will continue to monitor compliance among all businesses, explore additional enforcement measures, and issue cease and desist letters when necessary.
“So many of our businesses including bars, restaurants, large venues, retail stores, and offices, have gone to great lengths to strictly comply with our mandates to protect their workers and the public. They’re doing it right,” said Mayor Lyda Krewson. “Establishments who continue to openly flout these rules and endanger the public’s health and safety can no longer stay open.”
Here's the full statement from Krewson's office: