9 Milwaukee bars and restaurants warned for not following city mask law

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – Milwaukee’s face mask order has been in place since July 16, 2020. And the city’s health department said it may have to fine a number of bars and restaurants that have failed to follow the law.

“We do have nine that are in the hopper right now, so hopefully they can get it together,” said Milwaukee Health Commissioner Jeanette Kowalik.

She said the nine businesses have been warned after repeated customer complaints and after the health department stopped by and explained the ordinance’s importance.

“We definitely have been very gracious about our approach and know that some people, they get it, they’re taking this seriously,” said Kowalik.

She didn’t name names, explaining she didn’t have the information in front of her during the twice a week briefing. Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett hopes people comply.

“When people wear the masks, you’re going to see less spread of COVID 19,” said Barrett.

Barrett said he was on a conference call with Governor Tony Evers and Wisconsin’s five big city mayors discussing masks. Barrett wants people to give the masks a shot.

“We do not want to go back to a situation where we are putting more regulations and closing down businesses,” said Barrett.

If the nine businesses in Milwaukee continue to break the law, they could be fined between $50 and $500 for each day they’re out of compliance.