2 Stamford Restaurants Closed For Violating COVID-19 Orders: City
STAMFORD, CT — The city's health department closed two restaurants accused of violating coronavirus regulations.
In a statement Wednesday, officials said the department closed Café Luna on West Broad Street and Reyes Bar & Restaurant on Stillwater Avenue after the establishments violated health and safety guidelines regarding overcrowding, wearing masks and serving alcohol without food.
The businesses were previously been contacted by Stamford citation officers and asked to correct violations, officials said. (To sign up for Stamford breaking news alerts and more, click here.)
According to Mayor David Martin, the health department has been communicating with businesses in the city to ensure they comply with coronavirus orders.
"Residents will only bring their business to restaurants and stores if they know they are safe," Martin said in a statement. "I understand businesses are struggling right now, but it is not safe for our community to relax on health and safety guidelines and it is not fair to businesses that are maintaining good [safety] protocols to be at risk for further lockdowns because a few establishments are not following the rules."
City spokesperson Arthur Augustyn said the department is working with both businesses to ensure they comply with guidelines so they can reopen.
The health department is authorized to close businesses under Gov. Ned Lamont's executive order, officials said.
Last week, Mayor David Martin announced the city will return to phase 2 of reopening following an increase of coronavirus cases in Stamford and across the state.
Under the current guidelines, restaurants can operate at 50 percent capacity indoors, with a maximum of eight people at a table. Indoor and patio service must stop by 9:30 p.m., however takeout and delivery is allowed past that time.
Performing arts and movie theaters are limited to no more than 100 people, while capacity at event venues is limited to 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors.
Religious gatherings are allowed to operate at 50 percent capacity indoors, with no more than 100 people. Virtual services are encouraged.
Patch has reached out to the Stamford Chamber of Commerce and the city's Office of Economic Development for further information.
This article originally appeared on the Stamford Patch
