Gov. Lamont warns stores of COVID-19 fines up to $10,000 ahead of Black Friday

Black Friday is coming up, and Gov. Ned Lamont is warning stores that they could face a $10,000 fine if they pack too many people in.

News 12 Staff

Nov 25, 2020, 11:13 PM

Updated 1,409 days ago

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Black Friday is coming up, and Gov. Ned Lamont is warning stores that they could face a $10,000 fine if they pack too many people in.
At Westfield Trumbull Mall, crowds are down but masks are up. Lamont wants to keep it that way - so overcrowded malls could face that penalty.
"You know, we said, 'Hey, how about a $500 fine?' and people said, maybe for those big guys, that's like the cost of doing business," Lamont says.
To comply, Westfield Trumbull is limiting the number of entrances and cutting back on indoor seating.
James Ayash, who runs the Made By Hand store, is making changes too.
"We plan to actually block off about half the store and just put a few specials on sale," he says.
To spread crowds out, stores are extending the bargains.
"You're going to see not just a Black Friday sale, but you're going to see a Black Friday week sale or over the month," says Connecticut Economic and Community Development Commissioner David Lehman.
There are also going to be a lot of options to buy online with curbside pickup - in-car delivery or same-day delivery to your house.
Another change you'll notice this year - instead of opening Thanksgiving evening, most big box stores are waiting until Friday morning to open up.