MILWAUKEE – Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) – the combined state chamber, manufacturers’ association and safety council – sent a letter to members of the Milwaukee Common Council and Mayor Tom Barrett on Friday requesting changes to the proposed mask ordinance.
WMC encourages its members to take appropriate precautions – including wearing masks – to protect the health of their employees and customers, but has concerns about the enforcement of the proposal. In the letter, WMC contends the enforcement provision of the ordinance puts an undue burden on Milwaukee employers, creates unnecessary conflict between employees and customers, and opens up businesses to potential civil liability.
The current proposal would penalize businesses $50 to $500 per violation when individuals violate the ordinance.
In part, the letter reads:
“Businesses are not law enforcement agencies and this Ordinance will create unnecessary (potentially violent) conflict between employees of these businesses and clients/customers. Further, the Ordinance could open up potential civil liability for job creators.
“If the City chooses to place new regulatory burdens on the general public, then the City – not businesses – should shoulder the burden of enforcing them. We respectfully request the Ordinance be amended to address our concerns.”
The ordinance was approved by the Public Safety and Health Committee on Thursday, and the full Common Council is expected to vote on the measure Monday.
