Sturgis-Coldwater News

Details regarding complaints against businesses related to the COVID-19 pandemic have been released by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs following a settlement with the Mackinac Center Legal Foundation.

A lawsuit had been filed by the Foundation after the department stalled on fulfilling a request for information through Michigan’s Freedom of Information Act, the Mackinac Center for Public Affairs reported. The documents detailed the complaints made against businesses in violation of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s executive orders. The request was made June 5 for the copies of any cease-and-desist letters that businesses received for violating executive orders. A copy of complaints against businesses that were alleged to have violated the same orders were also requested. Complaints included restaurants that allegedly allowed employees and patrons on facility grounds without wearing a mask. Complaints were also made regarding patrons congregating. The use of golf carts in prohibited areas was also a concern.

The records were finally released by the department July 7 after a lawsuit was filed, the Mackinac Center for Public Policy reported. Estimated costs of $1,373 were paid by the Center. Prior to releasing documents, LARA justified the delay by citing the need to review comments and pinned it on the “broad scope” of the request. Those roadblocks disappeared after the lawsuit. Foundation is no stranger to filing lawsuits to gain access to public records, having won documents from state universities and local governments.

“Michigan's public records law exists so people can see what their government is doing and hold them accountable,” Jarrett Skorup, director of marketing and communications at, the Mackinac Center said the Foundation reported. “But what good is the law if the government can withhold information for as long as they want? We’re pleased that the department has finally released the information, but it shouldn’t require waiting six months and filing a lawsuit to get public records from government officials.”