Monmouth Legislators: Open Small Shops In Time For Mother's Day

Local Northern Monmouth county representatives to Trenton, state Senator Declan O’Scanlon, Assemblywoman Serena DiMaso and Assemblyman Gerry Scharfenberger, all Republican, called on the Murphy administration to allow for a limited reopening of small gift shops and jewelry stores in advance of Mother’s Day.

“Mother’s Day is coming up this weekend and many small local shops rely heavily on these holidays for their business," said the senators in a joint statement. "The administration needs to strongly consider reopening small gift shops with social distancing protocols similar to food stores; 50 percent capacity, masks, and social distancing. Or even allow them to consider a curbside gift pickup option. In addition, jewelry stores should be allowed to open with a 50 percent capacity limitation."

“We know that many families will not be able to gather like they normally would with their mothers, daughters, and grandmothers and we respect the need for that social distancing to continue. But many could drop a present off at Mom’s doorstep safely.

“With our curve flattened and hospitalizations trending downward we really need to consider our small business community, particularly the ones that see a substantial uptick in revenue from holidays like Mother’s Day.”