DOTHAN, Ala. – The city of Dothan will shut down businesses that don’t comply with state mandates issued as the coronavirus spreads, the police chief said Monday. However, it will only do so after receiving clarification from the Alabama Department of Public Health. The state has ordered enforcement at the local level.
Dothan Police Chief Steve Parrish said several complaints have been received about retailers that continue to operate, possibly in violation of those regulations put into place last week.
“We are going to formulate a clearing house using some of our investigators and will also have a website where suspected violations can be reported,” Parrish said.
The thing he stressed most is that officers will only close businesses after receiving verification from ADPH they are operating outside the law.
Like others, Parrish sees gray area in guidelines placed in effect until April 19. The most confusing is stores that sell a variety of products.
The chief declined to identify stores that have been targeted in complaints but promised each will be investigated.
“We will enforce the law with diligence and verifying with state officials that violations have occurred,” Parrish said.
Fines of $25 to $500 a day can be levied against violators.
