East Brunswick Won't Impose 8 P.M. Curfew On Businesses

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — When New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed executive order 195, he gave towns the option to further restrict hours by closing nonessential businesses after 8 p.m., due to rising coronavirus cases. But East Brunswick will not impose this.

In a recent message to the East Brunswick community, Mayor Brad Cohen said the restrictions won’t be imposed because local businesses “are working and operating in responsible ways.”

He said even though people are going through “COVID fatigue”, they need to be “extraordinarily careful.”

“But the good news is that the cases are not really coming out of businesses that were open. Most of those are behaving in a very responsible ways – our restaurants... or personal grooming types of businesses, and our schools as you can see from the data,” said Cohen

He however said that “things could change” if safety guidelines were not being followed.

“Businesses need to know that the ultimate responsibility for enforcing all the guidelines rests with the County Prosecutor. So, if we do get any complaints that come to the township or to our police department regarding the establishment, it is our obligation to provide the County Prosecutor with that information,” said Cohen.

He further said it was the County Prosecutor who would determine whether the county or the East Brunswick Police Department should intervene based on the findings.

If found violating safety guidelines or rules, businesses could receive a warning, a fine or could potentially risk closing the business, said Cohen.

“But that isn’t our intention. We just want people to follow our guidelines and act responsibly,” he said.

Murphy signed the executive order on Nov. 10 granting municipalities and counties the option to close nonessential businesses after 8 p.m.

Read More: Gov. Murphy: NJ Towns Can Add COVID-19 Restrictions On Businesses

The order comes amid further restrictions announced the week prior, which mandates restaurants, bars, clubs and lounges in the state to close indoor service between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.

Read more: Gov. Murphy Clarifies New Rules For NJ Indoor Dining, Barbers

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