As we tipped you last week, Gov. Janet Mills yesterday released a new executive order making operators of certain businesses responsible for enforcement of the mandatory wearing of face coverings by employees and customers.

The new executive order applies to these coastal counties:

• Cumberland
• Hancock
• Knox
• Lincoln
• Sagadahoc
• Waldo
• York

And also these cities:

• Auburn
• Augusta (newly added)
• Bangor
• Brewer
• Lewiston

And these types of businesses:

• Retail stores with more than 50,000 sf of shopping space
• Restaurants
• Outdoor bars and tasting rooms (indoor service suspended until further notice)
• Lodging establishments

New: Municipalities may enforce the use of face coverings in public spaces like streets, sidewalks and parks where individuals are unable to maintain 6 feet of physical distance.

Quoting from the Executive Order (emphasis added):

"The Order may be enforced by any governmental department or official that regulates licenses, permits or otherwise authorizes the operation or occupancy of eating establishments, bars or tasting rooms, lodging operations and accommodations, businesses, buildings, parks and campgrounds. A violation may be construed to be a violation of any such license, permit and other authorization to which pertinent penalties, such as a revocation of said licenses or permits, may be assessed. The Administration has established a reporting form for alleged violations of the State’s health and safety protocols."

Along with issuing the new Executive Order, Gov. Mills extended Maine's existing State of Civil Emergency for 30 days to 6 August 2020, giving the state continued access to Federal resources for combating COVID-19.

What municipal agency will first be bold enough to penalize a business in its town for not enforcing the wearing of masks by customers? Stay tuned.