These Fresno stores considered ‘nonessential’ tried opening for business. The City noticed

The city of Fresno fined two “nonessential” stores that opened for business during the citywide shelter-in-place order.

Two tobacco shops – the Cigarette Store in southeast Fresno and the High Society Smoke Shop 2 in central Fresno – each received $1,000 administrative citations for “operating when they should be closed,” according to Fresno Councilmember Miguel Arias.

Only businesses deemed essential by the city of Fresno have been allowed to open during the shelter-in-place directive that’s in place to help slow the spread of the highly contagious coronavirus.

Gov. Gavin Newsom also issued a statewide stay-at-home directive, restricting nonessential businesses from opening and asking residents to practice social distancing and only leave their homes if necessary.

While tobacco stores are not specifically listed among the nonessential businesses by either the city or the state, they also aren’t listed among the essential businesses allowed to stay open.

Fresno’s shelter-in-place order has been in effect since March 19. It initially was set to expire at the end of the month but Mayor Lee Brand extended the shutdown tentatively to April 14.

The shelter-in-place orders are part of Fresno’s efforts to prevent local hospitals from being slammed with numerous COVID-19 cases at the same time.

As of Saturday evening, there were 43 confirmed cases of the coronavirus throughout Fresno County (figures are not broken down by cities).

Fresno city officials said the city will monitor which businesses may operate during the shelter-in-place, as well as warned businesses about consequences of price gouging.

The city issued its first $10,000 administrative fine on March 19 to a liquor store for allegedly price gouging bottled water.

This story was originally published March 28, 2020 at 9:04 PM.