(WWJ/AP) Michigan liquor regulators want an East Lansing bar to answer questions about a coronavirus outbreak that infected at least 180 people and was a factor in Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's decision to halt indoor service at establishments that chiefly sell alcohol.
A hearing, scheduled for next week, could result in a license suspension or revocation for Harper's Restaurant and Brewpub, which currently is closed. But the purpose primarily is fact finding.
The outbreak occurred last month, shortly after bars and restaurants were allowed to reopen following a months-long shutdown.
Crain's Detroit Business reports that Harbrinel Inc., doing business as Harper's Restaurant and Brewpub, has been ordered to appear before the commission at July 23 to show cause as to the status of its Class C and Brewpub licenses, permits and permissions under the Liquor Control Code and the commission's administrative rules. Representatives will also be asked to answer questions regarding steps "it took or failed to take" in complying with Whitmer's Executive Order 2020-114 and demonstrate its plan for reopening will protect patrons and employees from another outbreak.
Photos on social media showed a long line of young people, unmasked, jammed shoulder to shoulder together outside Harper's. Inside, it was reported unmasked patrons were not practicing social distancing.
The Ingham County Health Department told WWJ that 128 people who went to Harper's between June 12 and June 20 — all of them ages 18 to 23 — tested positive for COVID-19. Additional people who were in direct contact with those people then contracted the virus.
Health officials urged anyone who went to Harper's during that time to self-quarantine for two weeks, staying at least six feet apart from other household members, self-monitor for symptoms and get tested.
Ingham County Health Department Officer Linda Vail said contact tracing was effective in preventing further spread.
Harper's owners Pat and Trisha Riley said in a statement that the are committed to extensive cleaning procedures, mask and other safety rules and COVID-19 mitigation strategies in light of the pandemic. "Our small family business takes its role and responsibility in our community very seriously – especially when it comes to the health and safety of our customers and team members. That's why we have taken every measure to not only meet, but exceed, local, state and federal guidance for reopening during this COVID-19 health pandemic, which has been confirmed by the Ingham County Health Department. That's also why we have closed temporarily, to implement added safety precautions."
