Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority says it has come to what is known as a "consent agreement" with Gourmeltz Restaurant in Spotsylvania County. ABC searched the restaurant December 2nd, after the conclusion of legal proceeding against Gourmeltz, over the establishment's handling of Covid protocols.
Under the agreement, Gourmeltz will receive its alcohol license and alcohol back on December 23rd. The restaurant also agrees that it has not sold alcohol between December 2nd and December 23rd. Neither the agency or the restaurant admit to liability or fault under the agreement.
Gourmeltz's owner Matt Strickland opposed Governor Ralph Northam's (D) Covid mandates in 2020. The regulations were put in place at the time in hopes of mitigating the spread of the disease. Strickland is currently running for State Senate as a Republican.
Following the search of the restaurant on the Second, Governor Glenn Youngkin (R) announced an executive order, requiring a statewide review of Covid-19 penalties imposed by his predecessor. Youngkin also says he will direct agencies to halt further collection of fines, as well as enforcement actions, related to shutdown violations, in his upcoming budget proposal. The proposal comes out tomorrow on December 15th. He also will direct the Secretary of Finance to develop a reimbursement process.
