MILLSTONE – Municipal officials in Millstone Township are calling on Gov. Phil Murphy to ease restrictions he has placed on businesses and restaurants during the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. The township’s leaders said the restrictions are harming businesses.
In recent weeks, Murphy said food and beverage establishments would be permitted to offer indoor dining at a reduced capacity beginning on July 2.
However, on June 29, the governor reversed field and said indoor dining would not be permitted as scheduled. He cited an increase in positive coronavirus tests in other states and instances of non-compliance with certain guidelines that have been put in place in New Jersey during the pandemic.
During a Township Committee meeting on July 1, Mayor Fiore Masci issued a proclamation titled “Open the State of New Jersey” and asked Murphy to rescind his June 29 executive order that halted the scheduled resumption of indoor dining.
Reading from the proclamation, Masci said, “The Millstone Township community is committed to supporting local businesses and restaurants.
“The impact of this (June 29) order will continue to hurt small businesses, (with) many going out of business. Gov. Murphy refuses to abide by his own executive orders and social distancing policies.
“The township is asking Gov. Murphy to rescind (the June 29 executive order) and allow food or beverage establishments to offer in-person service at indoor areas, effective immediately.
“I join leaders around the state in asking Gov. Murphy to open the state for business and prosperity,” Masci said.