One of the serious issues businesses and their owners are facing in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic is whether they can remain open…
On Saturday, March 21, 2020, Governor Phil Murphy ordered all retail and non-essential businesses to close indefinitely. Businesses that will be permitted to remain open fall within the “essential” category, while others, such as law firms, accounting firms, financial institutions, etc., will be permitted to remain open. However, they must provide accommodation to their employees to work from home. If such businesses require employees on-site, staff must be reduced to the minimal number needed to continue critical operations. The rule of thumb is that people should not be outside of their homes unless they absolutely need to be.
See lists below of businesses that are ordered to close and businesses that can remain open.
Essential businesses include:
Banks/Financial Institutions
Car Garages/Dealerships, but only to perform vehicle maintenance
Convenience Stores
Gas Stations
Grocery Stores (also retail stores such as Walmart and Target)
Hardware Stores/Home Improvement
Laundromats/Dry-Cleaning Stores
Liquor Stores
Mail and Delivery Stores
Medical Marijuana Dispensaries
Medical Supply Stores and Facilities that provide therapeutic services
Office Supply Stores/Printing
Pet Stores
Pharmacies
Restaurants (only take-out or delivery); with outdoor entrances only at shopping malls. Restaurants with indoor entrances in malls must close.
Some businesses may fall into a blanket exemption category, which may also continue to operate. Such businesses include:
Food banks and other type services for low-income residents
Government Offices and Federal buildings
Health care or medical providers
Law Enforcement and Public Safety
Media
Businesses that are required to close include the following:
All retail businesses with a physical address that serves the public must close. Business can continue online and via delivery.
Entertainment businesses and recreation, including concert halls, movie theaters, malls, nightclubs, casinos and gaming rooms, racetracks, gyms and fitness centers, amusement parks, libraries, tattoo parlors, zoos, water parks, aquariums, bowling alleys, barbershops and beauty salons, nail salons, bars that do not offer takeout, schools and educational instructions (elementary to collegiate level) and all other places of public gathering.
If you have questions, please contact us
If you have any questions or if you would like to discuss the matter further, please contact us at 201-896-4100.
Portability of estate and gift tax enables a surviving spouse to inherit any unused portion of their deceased spouse’s federal estate and gift tax exemption. So, if one spouse doesn’t utilize their full exemption, the surviving spouse can effectively double their exemption amount with regard to estate tax liability. For married couples, portability offers a […]
Pet Trusts in New Jersey and New York: A Practical Estate Planning Tool
For many of us, pets are more than companions—they are members of the family. Yet they are often overlooked or inadequately provided for when it comes to estate planning. A pet trust offers a legally enforceable way to ensure that your animal continues to receive proper care if you become incapacitated or pass away. As […]
For many New Jersey business owners, a closely held company represents decades of work, financial investment, and personal sacrifice. Trusts in business succession planning are one of the most effective tools for protecting that value, allowing founders to control how and when the business passes to the next generation while reducing the risk of disputes, […]
Read Before You Sign: IT Contract Pitfalls Every NJ Business Should Know
In today’s digital economy, New Jersey businesses of all sizes rely heavily on technology vendors, software providers, cloud platforms, and managed IT services. Whether your company is purchasing software, migrating data to the cloud, engaging a cybersecurity consultant, or entering into a long-term managed services agreement, a careful IT contract review can have significant operational, […]
Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) remain a critical tool for protecting sensitive business information. However, New York NDA requirements have evolved, and businesses must ensure these agreements are carefully drafted to remain enforceable. In a competitive market like New York City, NDAs are commonly used to protect proprietary information, client relationships, and strategic plans. At the same […]
How Courts Evaluate Testamentary Capacity and Undue Influence Will contests in New Jersey are difficult to win, given the strong presumption that a properly executed will reflects the testator’s intent. However, challenges based on lack of testamentary capacity and undue influence remain common, particularly where there are concerns about mental capacity or the involvement of […]
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.
Let`s get in touch!
Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!
