Lubbock Times

LUBBOCK – The Fourth Disaster Declaration for the City of Lubbock clarified the lists of essential and non-essential businesses. 

As of March 24, all non-essential businesses will be closed for walk-in services. If the non-essential businesses have the option to use a drive-thru, pick-up, delivery, or curbside service, it is not only allowed but encouraged by Lubbock Mayor Dan Pope.

All businesses that engage in direct or face-to-face contact are considered non-essential. Also, businesses that offer person-to-person contact that is not time-sensitive are also considered non-essential such as hair salons, tattoo parlors, small shops, and more. The Lubbock mayor is also stating that shopping malls, entertainment centers, and commercial amusement businesses will be closed. These stores are not considered essential and a mall is classified as any establishment that has multiple retail stores enclosed in one building.

Several different retailers now have restrictions in place since the Fourth Disaster Declaration went into effect. Hardware and home improvement stores are allowed to remain open, however, they are not allowed to have more than 50 percent of their business occupancy in a store at a time. That includes their employees as well. 

Finally, any retail establishments that are non-essential will also remain closed. These include clothing stores, trinket shops, smoke shops, shoe stores, etc.

City Manager Jarrett Atkinson said in a March 23 news conference that the fire marshal's office will be checking on all non-essential businesses from time to time to ensure they are in compliance with the newest declarations surrounding the effort to curve the spread of COVID-19. If businesses are found to be operating against the declaration, business owners will be penalized up to $1,000 and could face a maximum of 100 days in jail.

Atkinson says he doesn’t believe it will get to that point, according to KCBD, 

“I don’t think it’s going to get there," he said. "I think people will make good decisions."