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LANSING (AP) -- Detroit casinos will have to ban smoking on their gambling floors and limit capacity to 15% initially when they are allowed to open by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, regulators said Monday, as the state continued reporting just small increases in coronavirus deaths and cases.
A judge, meanwhile, ruled that penalties included in the governor's workplace safety rules are excessive.
CASINOS
The Michigan Gaming Control Board approved minimum reopening guidelines for the commercial casinos, though they remain closed amid the pandemic under a gubernatorial order. Many of the 24 tribal casinos in Michigan, which are not regulated by the state, have already reopened or will do so soon.
During their initial re-opening, MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino and Greektown Casino will limit capacity at no more than 15% and keep poker rooms and self-serve buffets closed. They will have to check temperatures of everybody entering and frequently clean slot machines. Patrons will be required to wear a mask unless drinking or eating.
Revenues at the three casinos, which have been closed since March 16 in a city that was hit hard by the virus, were down nearly 52% through May compared to a same point a year ago. Whitmer could let the casinos reopen in coming weeks.
EXCESSIVE
PENALTIES
State Court of Claims Judge Christopher Murray ruled that the Democratic governor's coronavirus-related workplace safety orders include excessive penalties for employers in violation. It was a victory for the Associated Builders and Contractors of Michigan trade group and Grand Rapids-based DJ's Lawn Service, which sued Whitmer more than two weeks ago with help from the Mackinac Center Legal Foundation.
The judge said Whitmer could not incorporate fines ranging up to $70,000 and a three-year felony -- which are included in the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act -- into directives that are governed by emergency laws that allow for lesser penalties: a 90-day misdemeanor and a $500 fine.