Battle Creek Times

Michigan eased requirements on gathering customer information for contact tracing a day after they were imposed.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) released updated guidelines at Michigan.gov after the state restaurant industry expressed frustration over implementing contract tracing for bars and restaurants.

Other changes included a requirement to limit six customers or fewer per table, masks to be worn while seated (except when eating and drinking), and limiting crowds from 500 down to 50 people for indoor events like weddings, banquets and conferences. Those mandates all remain in place.

The safety rules were created to slow down the spread of COVID-19 and to later warn patrons if there is an outbreak in a location they were known to have been. 

Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) CEO Justin Winslow said that the organization has received hundreds of calls from their members regarding the rules, as they lack clarity on key points.

Questions such as “What should restaurants do if customers won’t give their names? Will restaurants be responsible if customers give false information? Must everyone at the table, even children, provide identification?” were commonly asked, Winslow told Bridge Michigan.

Under the new guidance, the MDHHS provided some answers for the MRLA members: Businesses should only collect customers' name, contact number and date and time of service. Addresses or other information is not necessary. Bars and restaurants are not responsible for authenticating customer information but must store it for 28 days. The local or state health department will not be given the information, unless requested. The information will not be given to law enforcement or immigration officials, unless a subpoena is issued. Businesses are only encouraged to collect information from all members of a group, and that information on minors shall be provided by parents. However, the state said that “one person per household is acceptable.” Bars and restaurants are only "recommended" to deny entry to patrons if they do not comply with the information request. 

“We’ll see how it works out,” Winslow said in response, according to Bridge Michigan.

The Michigan restaurant industry is hoping that the new guidance will not anger customers or restrict business operations, as it could keep customers away, especially during times when sales are desperately needed.

“Is the strife you’re going to cause the industry worth this?” Winslow asked, according to Bridge Michigan. "If the answer is yes, we’ll move past this.”