Small Businesses Concerned

Sydney Martin reports from outside City Hall in Huntsville after working to get answers from the Mayor's office after many small business owners expressed concern with the stay-in-shelter order.

Our team coverage starts tonight in huntsville.

New at 5- after getting several complaints about small businesses taking the brunt of governor kay ivey's stay in shelter order.

We took their concerns to the city of huntsville.

Some business owners are upset because they're forced to close while big box stores that sell some of the same items are able to stay open.

That's because they also sell essentials like groceries, guns or alcohol.

Waay 31's sydney martin is live outside city hall after working to get answers from the mayor's office.

The city administrator told me today- the legal department here at city hall is working with businesses to help them interpret the stay at home order-- and if they're allowed to open, have to close, or can offer delivery.

The city told me it's a case by case basis.

Rachel wesson, small business owner"it's sad when i'm out grocery shopping and i see someone looking at clothes and at a grocery store or a big box store and realize i want to be helping you, i'd love to have your business and i just can't be open for that."

Rachel wesson owns envy boutique in huntsville.

Her fashion store's offering customers curbside delivery for purchases made online since they can't come inside her store.

Wesson told me her boutique has been open for nearly 15 years... and right now her sales are down about 90 percent..compar ed to before the coronavirus.

We took the concerns of wesson and other small business owners to the city...since big box stores that sell the same things can still have customers inside.

John hamilton, city administrator "i've heard those same frustrations that you mentioned in your question and understand that, but a store that is both grocery and other items it's not really possible to segregate them in some cases but our legal department is working those case by case."

Rachel wesson, small business owner "it's sad and it hurts that i can't be open servicing my customers just because i don't technically have something that's classified as essential."

Other states, such as vermont, issued orders stopping big box retailers from selling non- essential items. since the governor's order doesn't include any guidance or help for small businesses...wesson is doing the best she can to get by until she's allowed to invite her customers back inside.

Rachel wesson, small business owner"i'm just going to have to take it day by day when everything gets back up and going and hope that i can survive."

Now if you own a local business which sells essential or non-essential items and have questions or concern about whether or not you're allowed to be open you're asked to contact the city of huntsville's legal department.

Live in huntsville sm waay 31 news.

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