(WWJ) A couple of more businesses have lost their liquor licenses for violating Michigan's COVID-19 emergency orders.
The Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) said Monday it has issued emergency suspensions of the liquor licenses and permits held by two Michigan businesses in Lansing and Lapeer.
Allegedly, both were found with multiple violations of the current Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Emergency Order, including: allowing non-residential, in-person gatherings; providing in-person dining; failure to require face coverings for staff and patrons; and failure to prohibit patrons from congregating
.The businesses are:
- K Enterprises, Inc. d/b/a/ Royal Scot, a bowling alley located at 4710-4722 W. Grand River Ave. Lansing. The Commission issued an emergency suspension order of its Class C, and Specially Designated Merchant (SDM) liquor licenses, and permits for additional bar (three), dance-entertainment, catering, Sunday Sales (A.M. and P.M.), Outdoor Service (three areas), Specific Purpose (Food), Specific Purpose (Golf), and Specific Purpose (Bowling).
- Wood Chips, LLC d/b/a/ Wood Chips, a barbeque restaurant located at 315 W. Nepessing St. Lapeer. The Commission issued an emergency suspension order of its Class C, and Specially Designated Merchant (SDM) liquor licenses, and permits for Sunday Sales (A.M. and P.M.) Entertainment, Outdoor Service, and Catering.
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Both licensees are scheduled to appear before an Administrative Law Judge on December 11, 2020, for a virtual hearing via Zoom, to determine whether this summary suspension should continue, or other fines and penalties should be imposed.
MLCC said in a statement: "Licensees are strictly prohibited from allowing indoor gatherings, as defined by the MDHHS Gatherings and Face Mask Order, on their licensed premises. Further, these prohibited gatherings held without requiring patrons to wear face masks pose an immediate threat to the health, safety, and welfare of the public. Allowing this activity to continue could create additional outbreaks of COVID-19.
"Any licensed establishment that is in violation of the MDHHS emergency order will be held strictly accountable and risk suspension or revocation of its license. All licensees must not only comply with the MDHHS Orders, but also local health department orders, and local ordinances regarding reduced occupancy rates and social distancing protocols related to the COVID-19 pandemic."
This comes as the MDHHS order has been extended through Dec. 20.
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To date, the health department says there have been more than 404,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Michigan, resulting in more than 9,900 deaths. Michigan’s COVID-19 daily death average has quadrupled in the last five weeks.
As hospitalizations are continuing to rise, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and health officials say they hope tighter, temporary restrictions -- including the shutdown of indoor bar and restaurant service -- will help ease the burden on the state's overwhelmed health care system.