SANDPOINT — Police chiefs in Bonner County say they’re not receiving very many complaints about a lack of social distancing at local businesses.

That’s not to say people are not complaining, however.

A woman complained to the Daily Bee about a parking lot sale and patio dining in Priest River over the weekend.

Priest River Police Chief Drew McLain said his officers are opting for an educational approach and leaving enforcement up to the state.

“We have taken an educational stance by either talking to or giving a copy of the order to the business when dealing with a business that may be in violation of Gov. Little’s stay-at-home order,” said McLain.

Sandpoint Police Chief Corey Coon said his department has seen very few complaints. One complaint was unfounded, while the another was handled by speaking to the proprietor and gaining compliance with the governor’s order.

“Our citizens have been doing a great job in policing themselves, which has allowed us to focus on other areas,” said Coon.

Ponderay Police Chief Jimmy Cornelius said his department has not fielded any complaints since the first couple days of the stay-at-home order.

“Our enforcement to this point has been from an educational aspect, and we have obtained positive results from that as far as I know,” Cornelius said.

The target of the citizen complaint in Priest River, The Settlement Kitchen & Craft Tavern, said he is allowing customers to place carry-out orders and eat wherever they like outside of the restaurant and bar.

“We have got to survive,” said Settlement owner Dave Rivera. “Takeout orders aren’t even going to pay my propane bill.”

The restaurant alongside U.S. Highway 2 employs eight people, including a single mother who can’t obtain unemployment benefits due to disarray with the state’s online claims process.

Rivera said customers have been grateful for the restaurant and bar staying open amid the shutdown order.

“People are actually thanking us for being open,” Rivera said.

Moreover, he’s not received any complaints from the public.

“People like that can stay inside,” he adds.

Keith Kinnaird can be reached by email at kkinnaird@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow him on Twitter @KeithDailyBee.