LANSING (WWJ) -- One group of residents is calling for all COVID-19-related fines handed out to Michigan businesses during the pandemic to be reimbursed.
That’s after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was caught breaking the rules during an outing at an East Lansing bar over the weekend.
On Saturday, a photo surfaced on social media showing Whitmer and about a dozen others gathered with tables pushed together at the Landshark Bar & Grill. The photo was later taken down.
The incident was in violation of the current orders for Michigan restaurants and bars, which requires six people or fewer at tables with distances of 6 feet, and no intermingling.
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In response, the Michigan Freedom Fund is suggesting that Whitmer "immediately rescind violations and refund fines paid by individuals and small businesses across the state who’ve been accused of violating the state’s COVID-19 pandemic orders."
“Over the last 15 months, Whitmer’s administration has issued violations, levied penalties, and publicly ridiculed restaurants, individuals and small businesses accused of violating Whitmer’s orders,” said Tori Sachs, executive director for the Michigan Freedom Fund. “We are calling on Whitmer to end her orders today, pardon every individual accused of a similar offense, rescind every violation issued by state and local officials, and refund every fine the state’s collected.”
On Sunday, the governor issued an apology for the incident, and reportedly reiterated that statement while touring several Grand Rapids establishments on Monday.
"Throughout the pandemic, I’ve been committed to following public health protocols," Whitmer said in her Sunday statement. "Yesterday, I went with friends to a local restaurant. As more people arrived, the tables were pushed together. Because we were all vaccinated, we didn’t stop to think about it. In retrospect, I should have thought about it. I am human. I made a mistake, and I apologize."
Last week, Whitmer announced that all COVID-19 restrictions would be lifted in Michigan beginning on July 1.