March 31, 2020
Jennifer B. Barr, Esq.
Governor Phil Murphy and Superintendent of the State Police Colonel Patrick Callahan today announced an Administrative Order amending which businesses are permitted to operate and clarifying ways in which some businesses may operate in accordance with Executive Order No. 107. The Administrative Order states the following:
- Individual appointments to view real estate with realtors by individuals or families shall be considered essential retail business. Open houses are still considered impermissible gatherings.
- Car dealers may continue to conduct online sales or remote sales that are consistent with current law. In the event of such a sale, the car may be delivered to the purchaser or the purchaser can pick up the car curbside or in the dealership service lane.
- In accordance with the guidance released by the federal Department of Homeland Security, effective Tuesday, March 31, at 8:00 a.m., firearms retailers are permitted to operate – by appointment only and during limited hours – to conduct business which, under law, must be done in person. The NICS background check system will be up and running to process firearms purchases.
- Golf courses are considered recreational and entertainment businesses that must close to the public and to members associated with private golf clubs.
- And the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control is issuing guidance to allow microbreweries or brew pubs to provide home delivery to their customers. Home delivery has been prevented because of a ruling that ABC issued last May. Today, ABC has decided to relax that ruling and allow for home delivery.
“While we’ve made adjustments to businesses that are permitted to operate, my stay-at-home order remains firmly in effect,” said Governor Murphy. “Unless you absolutely need to get out, or unless your job is critical to our response, I have ordered all New Jerseyans to just stay home.”
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Governor Murphy Announces Statewide Stay at Home Order, Closure of All Non-Essential Retail Businesses
To mitigate the impact of Coronavirus or COVID-19, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has issued Executive Orders 107 and 108, effective on March 21, 2020 at 9:00 PM. Visit the New Jersey Governor’s office website and release here to read the specifics, including the announcement of the closing of non-essential retail businesses:
- Gatherings of individuals, such as parties, celebrations, or other social events, are cancelled unless explicitly authorized by Executive Order 107. CDC guidance defines a gathering to include conferences, large meetings, parties, festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events, weddings, and other types of assemblies.
- Non-essential retail businesses must close storefront and brick-and-mortar operations while Executive Order 107 is in effect. Also, all recreational and entertainment businesses must close to the public, including: Casinos; Racetracks; Gyms and fitness centers; Movie theaters; Concert venues; Nightclubs; Indoor portions of retail shopping malls; and Places of public amusement. Businesses may continue any online operations.
- Personal-care businesses that by their very nature result in noncompliance with social distancing must be closed to the public as long as the Order remains in effect. This includes: Barbershops; Hair salons; Spas; Nail and eyelash salons; Tattoo parlors; Massage parlors; Tanning salons; and Public and private social clubs.
- Bars and restaurants in New Jersey must be closed for on-premise service and may provide take-out and delivery service only. Drive-throughs, take-out, delivery offered by restaurants, and other delivery services can continue to operate.
While Governor Murphy’s Executive Order directs the closure of all non-essential retail businesses to the public, it states the exceptions of:
- Grocery stores, farmer’s markets and farms that sell directly to customers, and other food stores, including retailers that offer a varied assortment of foods comparable to what exists at a grocery store;
- Pharmacies and medical marijuana dispensaries;
- Medical supply stores;
- Gas stations;
- Convenience stores;
- Ancillary stores within healthcare facilities;
- Hardware and home improvement stores;
- Banks and other financial institutions;
- Laundromats and dry-cleaning services;
- Stores that principally sell supplies for children under five years;
- Pet stores;
- Liquor stores;
- Car dealerships, but only for auto maintenance and repair, and auto mechanics;
- Printing and office supply shops;
- Mail and delivery stores.
The complete orders can be found at:
For the most up to date information from the State’s COVID- 19 Information Hub, please visit: https://covid19.nj.gov/