"Let the people decide": New York City businesses defy orders and open early

Some businesses across New York City are getting antsy and reopening, defying state orders to keep non-essential businesses closed amid the coronavirus pandemic, CBS New York reports.

Twenty-five-year business owner Bobby Catone said if some big box stores can open, why can't his tanning salon in Staten Island? He was planning to open it on Thursday.

"We're being punished for trying to put food on our table," he said.

"I'm not a legal expert, I'm just a regular guy being the face and the voice of small businesses," he said.

He's backed by attorney Louis Gelormino, who's also representing five other businesses.

"We feel the city and the state are overstepping their bounds. They're greatly exceeding their authority," Gelormino said.

"Let the people decide whether they want to come to this business," he added.

Nine out of ten regions across New York state have started phased reopenings. New York City remains closed, as it has only met five of seven metrics the state requires for reopening.

"If people jump the gun and they don't follow the rules, that's the best way to guarantee we don't get to our reopening, so of course we're going to enforce ... (Read more)

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