(WWJ) More than a dozen business in Michigan were fined last month for allegedly ignoring virus-related safety restrictions ordered by the health department.
On Tuesday, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced the citations issued to 13 more than a dozen restaurants during December for alleged violations of the public health order put in place to control the spread of COVID-19.
“I thank the vast majority of restaurant and bar owners for helping us contain the spread of COVID-19 by temporarily closing their indoor service,” said MDHHS Director Robert Gordon. “We continue to see improvements in the numbers, and we know that the public health orders we have put in place are working. I look forward to the day when indoor service can reopen.”
The penalty is a civil fine of up to $1,000 for each violation or day that a violation continues, with payments due within 30 days.
Restaurants cited in Michigan in December were:
• Café Rosetta, 102 Fifth St., Calumet, Issued Dec. 2, $4,000
• Big Boy of Sandusky, 422 West Sanilac Rd., Issued, Dec. 2, $5,000
• Hatorando Sushi, 10586 Highland Rd., Hartland, Issued Dec. 2, $2,000
• Iron Pig Smokehouse, 143 W. Main St., Issued Dec. 2, Gaylord, $5,000
• Rockhouse Grill & Tavern, 915 Razorback Dr., Houghton, Issued Dec. 4, $1,000
• Spangler’s Family Restaurant, 601 E. Chicago Rd., Jonesville, Issued Dec. 16, $11,000
• Cravins, 389 S. Meridian #9710, Hudson, Issued Dec. 16, $1,000
• Bernita Mae Café, 80 N. 3rd St., PO Box 53, Issued Dec. 16, Sand Lake, $4,000
• Jimmy's Roadhouse, 8574 Mason Dr., Newaygo, Issued Dec. 16, $1,000D&R Daily • Grind, 8712 Portage Rd., Portage, Issued Dec. 16, $2,000
• Wild Roast Coffee, 4035 Chicago Dr. SW, Grandville, Issued Dec. 16, $2,000
• Woodchips Barbecue, 315 West Nepessing St., Lapeer, Issued Dec. 16, $4,000
• John Cowley & Sons Irish Pub, 33338 Grand River Ave., Farmington, Issued Dec. 16, $1,000
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Officials said the citations came after MDHHS was advised by local health departments and local law enforcement about the violations.
To date, there have been more than 500,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Michigan, resulting in more than 12,000 deaths, according to MDHHS.
The good news is the number of daily has dropped significantly over the past week.
The hearth department reported nearly 2,300 new cases on Tuesday, while daily cases in Michigan were over 4,000-a-day since mid-November.
The lower numbers may be due in part to fewer tests happening over the New Year holiday, officials said.
“The number of cases, the positivity rate, and hospital capacity have declined in recent weeks, taking stress off our hospitals and health care workers. We will continue to monitor the data and assess for any potential surges in cases after the holidays,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at MDHHS. “Most food service establishments like restaurants and bars have helped play a critical role in the existing decline by following the order.”
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The public can report any suspected non-compliance issue at an establishment directly to their local health department or to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission online or by calling the enforcement hotline, toll-free, at 866-893-2121.
Not sure about the rules? MLCC’s website at www.michigan.gov/lcc provides information on the MDHHS Emergency Order, indoor service restrictions, face mask requirements and FAQ for restaurants and bars.