Pennsylvania began enforcing Governor Tom Wolf’s order closing non-essential businesses at 8:00 a.m. today, March 23, 2020. Enforcement will be conducted by a number of state and local agencies, including the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, Department of Health, Department of Agriculture, and State Police. According to the guidance the Governor’s office issued to law enforcement agencies, violators may be charged under Pennsylvania’s public health and liquor control laws, although the Governor also has suggested that serious violators could be charged with obstructing the administration of law enforcement functions. Depending on the statute, penalties range from small fines to imprisonment.

Businesses are encouraged to carefully review the updated exempt/nonexempt list Governor Wolf issued on March 21 and to pursue exemptions or waivers if necessary.