Non-essential business in North Carolina were ordered to shut down March 30 in the effort to stop the spread of coronavirus. After the governor’s executive order, thousands of businesses across the state appealed to the North Carolina Department of Revenue in an effort to stay open.

"We’re one of the largest training facilities on the east coast. Last year, we were named actually one of the top ten facilities in the country," says Paul Smith, owner of Frontline Defense Firearms Training and Range in Warrenton.

Smith is among 533 business owners who were denied by the Revenue Department unless they instituted more social distancing efforts. For Smith, that involved scaling back some of the services. While Smith is happy he could stay open, he’s still taking a hit. "My membership renewal rate is down 40%," says Smith.

More than 3,400 businesses, about 85% of those that appealed, were granted essential status. Most were listed in the executive order, but companies just wanted to make sure. Businesses including dog groomers, campgrounds, carpet cleaners, even a driving school even got the green light.

Businesses denied essential status

Fifty businesses across the state were issued a firm denial, meaning under no circumstance are they essential and therefore are not allowed to open. Raleigh beauty salon owner Ashley Johnson wasn’t surprised by the ruling, but figured she would try with an interesting appeal.

"Because when you look your best, you feel your best and you do your best," she said.

Several other barber shops were rejected, as well as a bounce house party rental company in the western part of the state. Zumba with Debi, a Wendell-based fitness dance company was also rejected. Owner Debi Creech ended up adapting and streaming classes.

Essential or not, business owners like Smith are just trying to survive.

"We love our clients, and we love what we do, but safety is first and we all understand that," he told WRAL Investigates.