The company responsible for hosting a harbor cruise Saturday night in Boston Harbor that raised concerns over social distancing has been issued a cease and desist order by the City of Boston.
In its order issued to Bay State Cruise Company, the Boston Public Health Commission says that under COVID-19 orders, group charters with dancing, summer music cruises, nightclubs and dance clubs are not allowed under Phase 3 of the state’s reopening plan. Businesses are also not allowed to have beverages, entertainment and dancing if it isn’t providing “seated food service,” according to the order.
“This weekend’s mass gathering on a boat in the harbor represents a serious threat to public health, which is why today the Boston Public Health Commission together with the state’s Department of Labor Standards issued a cease-and-desist order to Bay State Cruise Company,” Mayor Marty Walsh said in a statement. “We’ve made great sacrifices and worked hard over the last few months to stop the very real and very dangerous spread of COVID-19, and it’s vital every person and every business take this public health emergency seriously, and do their part to keep their families, neighbors and communities safe.”
A photo of the company’s vessel, Provincetown II, shows dozens of people aboard its decks. Videos of the gathering show people drinking and dancing, many of them not wearing a face covering.
How is this crowded party boat in Boston Harbor allowed? pic.twitter.com/HfGILXWLrE
— Marty Walz (@MartyWalzAssoc) July 26, 2020
While the type of activity offered Saturday night isn’t allowed, the company does offer some services that are permitted in Phase 3, according to the order. These include ferry services, tours including whale watches, and private ferry charters. There are COVID-19 regulations for things like charter vessels, guided tours, and food service. Dancing is not allowed.
Operating a business not allowed during Phase 3 comes with a $300 fine per violation, the order says. The order is in place until rescinded by the director of the state Department of Labor Standards, or until Gov. Charlie Baker rescinds his executive order.
Bay State Cruise Company did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the cease and desist order Tuesday morning.
On Monday, company owner Michael Glasfeld said in a statement that the boat sailed at 33 percent capacity, and there was enough room for passengers to socially distance.
“Clearly, this is a situation where the public’s view is far more important than whether or not we are conducting activities in accordance with regulations,” he said. “We value our reputation as being a company that does the right thing, and we are working with the City of Boston’s Dept. of Health this week to further work on what needs working on.
“We’ll get this right; we are committed to that effort and understand how, in our current environment, this photo has created such a stir,” he said.
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July 28, 2020 at 08:37PM
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Harbor cruise company responsible for ‘crowded’ ship issued cease and desist order - Boston.com
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