Ronald Michael Barrera, owner of Westend Bar, is facing a misdemeanor charge for violation and neglect to comply with a legal order and regulation, according to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.
The charges came after “repeated attempts” by police and law enforcement officers to educate him about the law and seek voluntary compliance, officials added. The resident of Costa Mesa, 47, and owner of a bar on several occasions, reportedly refused to comply with an order that all non-essential businesses close between 10:00 pm and 5:00 am.
Police, city officials and agents from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) have responded to the bar more than once since an emergency block order was issued on November 19.
Prosecutors say the companies continued to operate on “multiple occasions” outside of mandatory closing hours and sometimes received 50 to 70 customers without imposing physical distance or facial coverage for employees or customers.
“It is unacceptable for a company to repeatedly fan the regulations and continue to operate without even trying to institute any mitigating measures aimed at saving lives. This is not just any business. This is a business that had an opportunity after taking the opportunity to take corrective action and was unable to do so. it, “District Attorney Todd Spitzer said in a statement.
In addition, the bar manager, Luisza Giulietta Mauro, 26, has been accused of a misdemeanor charge against a police officer. Mauro allegedly tried to physically prevent the businessman from entering the business on December 12, according to the Public Ministry.
“This blatant disregard for state and local health orders is a slap in the face for businessmen who work hard and keep trying to do the right thing during these extremely difficult times,” added Spitzer.
Both Barerra and Maura are due to be indicted on June 22 and, if convicted, could face up to one year in prison.
However, the District Attorney’s Office said it was hopeful that there would be no further violations and that the case could be resolved through additional education courses through the California Department of Alcohol Control and other educational efforts instead of imprisonment.
While public health officials express concern about the “over-spreading” events that have contributed to the current rise in COVID-19, a company in Santa Ana is also planning to challenge coronavirus regulations and host a New Year’s party.
A flyer that circulates on social networks advertises food and music until 2 am in the Club Azarte.
According to a statement from officials in the county’s environmental health division, there are no complaints against the companies.
“When complaints are received, OC Health Care Agency (HCA) provides education and guidance on compliance with state and local health orders and associated guidelines,” said Marc Meulman with the agency.
However, residents in the area say the business is stable. A woman who wished to remain unidentified said that “the party buses come and leave people to enter there”.
Concerned about her diabetic mother and her community, local resident Brenda Ortega says something needs to happen.
“… To find or close them. I understand, everyone wants to work, but it is … it’s just being too risky. We have to protect ourselves. If we don’t protect ourselves, this thing won’t go away,” he said. she.
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