Butch Browning, State Fire Marshal
State Fire Marshal deputies will perform random courtesy visits to businesses in an effort to help owners better comply with COVID spread mitigation restrictions. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says they will visit various businesses with the goal of increasing compliance.
“We are going to in a very amicable, courteous, and working manner help that restaurant adjust that seating, help that restaurant remind those employees to wear that face coverings if they are not,” said Browning.
Browning says they’re not looking to bust owners for breaking COVID regulations, they’re hoping to help them correct any mistakes.
“Business people should want to have a safe environment for their employees and their customers,” said Browning, who adds that most businesses are doing their best to be compliant.
Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President Stephen Waguespack agrees and says owners want to limit COVID spread because it’s good for business.
“I think that is why we don’t hear much pushback for wearing masks or whatever other safeguards are encouraged, they are glad to do whatever it takes to safely serve their customers,” says Waguespack.
Waguespack says the one issue business owners have with current COVID guidelines is their lack of specificity for what are fairly common situations.
“I think that they are looking for consistent guidance on that. How often do you have to change your mask, what happens if you are trying to work with a customer and they cannot hear you and you pull it down?” says Waguespack.
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