State suspends 3 liquor licenses, names 4 establishments for violating Michigan’s COVID order

Alcohol licenses were suspended at three Michigan establishments on Wednesday for violating the state’s recent public health order intended to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

The Michigan Liquor Control Commission has issued emergency liquor license suspensions at the following establishments:

• Jimmy’s Roadhouse in Newaygo, license held by Cory’s Restaurant, Inc.
• Brew Works of Fremont in Fremont, license held by B. and D., LLC
• The Meeting Place in Fenton, license held by The Meeting Place, LLC

Officials say all three establishments violated the latest Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) emergency order that bans in-person food services at all bars and restaurants, as well as other restrictions affecting high schools, colleges and more.

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Officials said on Tuesday that Jimmy’s Roadhouse, Brew Works of Fenton and The Meeting Place violated the emergency ordinance by allowing non-residential and in-person gatherings, offering in-person meals, failing to require blankets facial expressions to staff and customers and failing to prohibit customers from assembling.

“Our office is working closely with the Commission in carrying out its duties and we stand ready to pursue these summary suspensions,” Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said. “While neither of us wants to take such action, the willful and blatant disregard of state of emergency public health orders by these owners puts their businesses at risk. While we are heartbroken by the toll these closures invariably have on affected businesses, the state has first and foremost an obligation to protect the lives of our residents.

A hearing is scheduled for Dec. 4 to determine whether the liquor license suspensions should continue or whether further fines and penalties should be imposed, officials said.

The MDHHS also announced on Tuesday citations issued to numerous establishments accused of failing to comply with the latest emergency order.

Citations have been issued for the following establishments listed by the MDHHS:

• Big Boy of Sandusky, 422 West Sanilac, Sandusky ($ 5,000)
• Café Rosetta, 102 Fifth Street, Calumet ($ 1000)
• Woodchip barbecue, 315 West Nepessing Street, Lapeer ($ 1000)
• The Meeting Place, 3600 Owen Road, Fenton ($ 1000)

“The vast majority of restaurant and bar owners are doing the right thing and they have temporarily shut down their indoor service to help prevent the spread of the virus,” MDHHS director Robert Gordon said. “We know this isn’t easy for anyone, it’s not an action we take lightly, but the sooner we can mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the sooner we can all get back to doing things that we appreciate.”

Establishments may be required to pay fines of up to $ 1,000 for each violation or day on which an infraction continues.

The officials are that more establishments should be cited in the near future.

“Cases of COVID-19 are incredibly high statewide, and these orders are in place to help prevent the spread of the virus, save lives and protect our frontline workers,” said Dr Joneigh Khaldun, Medical Director and Deputy Director. for health at MDHHS. “We must do everything in our power to relieve the stress on our hospitals and healthcare workers. Eating establishments like restaurants and bars can play a vital role in keeping order and most of them are doing their part.

• Anyone wishing to report a facility violation or suspected MDHHS non-compliance can call the Michigan Liquor Control Commission toll-free line at 866-893-2121.

On Wednesday, the state reported 4,273 new cases of COVID-19 and 73 new deaths in Michigan since Tuesday. In total, Michigan has reported 324,779 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 8,761 deaths.

New cases and deaths of COVID-19 continue to rise in Michigan. Testing has increased in recent weeks, with more than 45,000 diagnostic tests reported per day, but the positive rate rose to nearly 13% last week. Hospitalizations have increased steadily over the past five weeks, including increases in intensive care and ventilator use.

Michigan’s 7-day moving average for daily cases was 6,925 on Tuesday, near the highest on record. The 7-day average of deaths was 80, the highest since May. The state’s death rate is 2.7%. The state is also reporting “active cases,” which were listed at 159,000 on Tuesday, its highest score on record.

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