{"id":4497,"date":"2020-05-22T16:22:58","date_gmt":"2020-05-22T21:22:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/business-laws-and-regulations\/how-to-develop-a-reopening-strategy-that-avoids-liability.html"},"modified":"2024-06-06T01:43:41","modified_gmt":"2024-06-06T06:43:41","slug":"how-to-develop-a-reopening-strategy-that-avoids-liability","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-laws-and-regulations\/how-to-develop-a-reopening-strategy-that-avoids-liability.html","title":{"rendered":"How To Reopen Your Small Business After Shutdown"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How To Reopen Your Small Business After Shutdown<\/h1>\n
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\n By Amber Sheppard, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Amber Sheppard, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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Temporary closures of a small business are a headache for both customers and small business owners. It’s worse when you’re the service provider or company trying to devise a reopening plan. There are deadlines, renovations, and debris cleanup to consider. On top of that, you also have to make sure the reopening plan meets state and local government, public health, and Department of Labor standards.<\/p>\r\n

If you are a small business owner, this article will help you outline the important issues you’ll be facing. Before you open back up after a temporary shutdown or natural disaster, know what you’ll need to handle. You have obligations that involve state and local law, health organization guidelines, employment law<\/a>, contract law<\/a>, insurance law<\/a>, and personal injury liability.<\/a><\/p>\r\n

Here are some considerations to take before you open your business doors again.<\/p>\r\n

Know State and Local Laws<\/h2>\r\n

It’s crucial to understand what is required of your business under state and local law for you to reopen. Business owners who do not follow the law expose themselves to fines from the local government, lawsuits from customers who get hurt if they open too soon, and social media backlash.<\/p>\r\n

Look to state and local government websites for guidance on reopening. This will depend on your industry and why you had to shut down.<\/p>\r\n

Below are some common temporary closure scenarios to consider:<\/p>\r\n