Three other Michigan restaurants have been suspended for violating state health orders – including two accused of serving guests indoors and one who allegedly ignored restrictions on al fresco dining.
The Michigan Beverage Control Commission announced emergency suspensions on Tuesday, January 19, for restaurants in Mount Pleasant, Plymouth and Bitely.
All three must attend a virtual hearing with an administrative law judge, who will decide whether to issue a fine and potentially extend alcohol license suspensions. Suspensions so far vary from seven to 90 days.
The Michigan ban on dining began on November 18 and was extended until January 31. Restaurants are not allowed to serve food or alcohol to be consumed within the establishment, cannot host meetings and must require masks.
Citizens can file a complaint with the MLCC for any restaurants serving alcoholic beverages in violation of health orders. Call 866-893-2121 or go to the MLCC website to file a complaint.
So far, 37 companies have had their liquor licenses suspended since September for violating COVID-19 health orders.
Here’s a look at the latest companies to be hit with the liquor license suspension. Click on the company name to read the full report.
Corky’s Beal City Tavern
Location: Mount Pleasant
An anonymous complaint prompted an MLCC investigator to verify the deal shortly after 3 pm on January 8.
The investigator saw several vehicles in the parking lot, but no one in the outdoor service area – the only area for eating and drinking is allowed in Michigan restaurants. Inside, about 12 people were sitting at the bar and at the tables, the investigator said.
No one was wearing a mask and some appeared to be drinking alcohol, according to the investigator.
A company official without a mask told the investigator that they did not agree with the state health order and decided not to follow it anymore.
The Post Local Bistro
Location: Plymouth
An investigator went to the Plymouth restaurant for an inspection on January 8 and found a crowded parking lot.
While the company only had its outdoor service area open, several violations were found, including tables less than 6 feet from each other, allowing people to go without a mask without distancing themselves and allowing tables to have more than six people , claimed the investigator.
Prior to the MLCC visit, the Plymouth Police Department and Wayne County investigators visited the company and warned its leaders several times that they were violating COVID-19 health orders.
Bitely Tavern
Location: Bitely
The MLCC received a complaint in December that Bitely Tavern was in breach of health orders, so an investigator went into business around 4 pm on January 6.
Several vehicles were in the parking lot and no one left the building in the 10 minutes the investigator observed. Then the investigator came in, sat at the bar and ordered food and alcohol. There were 16 people inside eating and drinking – none of them wore a mask or distanced themselves.
The only employee who worked also did not wear a mask, according to the investigator.
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