‘Consider this as your final warning’: Businesses, residents not obeying stay at home order can face criminal consequences

Law enforcement across New Jersey will be cracking down on residents who are not abiding by Gov. Phil Murphy's stay at home order.

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Attorney General Gurbir Grewal says the time for warnings is over , and now businesses and residents not obeying the order can face criminal consequences.

The attorney general promised strict penalties for businesses or people who violate the governor’s stay-at-home orders designed to limit the spread of coronavirus.

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The penalties range from citations to second-degree charges.

"So, if you're a retail store or an entertainment center and you stay open or if you're a bar and you keep serving patrons in your establishment -- consider this as your final warning,” says Attorney General Grewal. “Your actions are against the law of New Jersey and you will be held accountable, same goes for individuals. If you and your friends decide to throw a party in your home and you invite 20 of your closest friends, stop. Law enforcement officers will have to break that party up and there will be criminal consequences."

Essential businesses that can remain open are grocery stores, food banks, pharmacies, medical supply stores, gas stations, banks, pet supply stores and restaurants and bars providing takeout and delivery only.

Attorney General Grewal says law enforcement is also cracking down on companies and people who are illegally price gouging , as well as people using the pandemic as an excuse to justify acts of biased or hate.

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