Police in Charlotte are citing business employees who have been found violating the stay-at-home-order imposed during the coronavirus pandemic.
Earlier this week, Charlotte--Mecklenburg Police issued citations to two smoke shops, Cloudzilla on Central Avenue and High Life on North Tyron Street, according to WBTV.
Cloudzilla owner, Fadi Shalo, was given a warning on Saturday before his employees were cited on Monday.
Representatives for both shops claim that the businesses were unfairly punished. Shalo added that it’s unfair to small businesses who need to stay open to survive.
“I am losing a lot of money and I have kids to feed,” he said. “Who is going to cover that?”
The store has since closed down, but Shalo is concerned that he won’t be able to pay his mortgage.
He also said that police warned of a possible arrest if he continues operating his store.
In North Carolina, violating the order is a Class 2 misdemeanor. Residents can be fined up to $1,000 and face up to 60 days in jail.
Under the order, which was imposed to prevent the spread of coronavirus, only businesses deemed “essential” like grocery stores, banks, daycare centers, pharmacies, gas stations, and funeral homes are allowed to remain open.
All non-essential businesses are being forced to close down. Non-essential personal travel is prohibited as well.
The CMPD issued its first citation on April 3 to a manager at Cool Cave Day Spa, which was found operating following a warning.
On April 8, an employee at the arts and crafts chain Michael’s on Rea Road was cited.