CARLSBAD, Calif. (KGTV) -- Carlsbad will not implement stricter enforcement against businesses in violation of public health orders.
Councilmember Cori Schumacher introduced an order that would add teeth to the city's enforcement, making each violation an accumulative administrative citation, starting with warnings, then $100, $200, and $500 fines.
Schumacher made a motion for a vote, but no one seconded the motion. The motion failed without a vote being cast.
It came after hours of public comment. More than 120 people had signed up to call in and speak. An overwhelming majority of the callers were against instituting stricter enforcement.
The City Council voted to consider a comprehensive approach to compliance with the health order at a future meeting. Some members stated they would like to see a plan that included incentives for businesses that follow the rules. A date has not yet been set for the meeting.
Councilmember Schumacher sent the following statement to ABC 10News:
"While I appreciate the comprehensive approach we will be pursuing, this does not solve for the short-term issue of those in willful violation of the public health order. The outcome of tonight's meeting sends the wrong message to those in willful violation of the public health order during a very critical moment in the COVID crisis - that we're going to look the other way."
