During NJBIA’s recent online town hall, business owners discusse the challenges of operating under the state’s one-size-fits-all COVID-19 mandates, as well as the exposure businesses face from lawsuits even when they are following the latest government safety guidelines.
Speaking out on these topics were Frank Jones, a partner at Mints Insurance in Millville, and Alan Sobel, managing partner at SobelCo in Livingston, who is also the president of the New Jersey Society of CPAs.
Jones, whose agency group represents 12,000 businesses in New Jersey, said many business owners are concerned that they now have more exposure to lawsuits, and this is slowing the pace of full business reopenings that are needed to get the economy back on track.
“The questions are, ‘If we adhere to the CDC guidelines, are there protections for us from liability?’ And right now, sadly, the answer is no,” Jones said. “And that is creating much consternation ... with many businesses ranging from hospitality all the way through to your small florists and delis up to the large businesses.”
The Oct. 22 town hall-style video conference was hosted by NJBIA President & CEO Michele Siekerka and organized by the New Jersey Business Coalition, which includes business organizations and nonprofits from all over New Jersey. Members of the news media and legislators were also on the call.
Go here to watch, or click on the video below.
