RI Restaurant Ordered Closed For Repeated Coronavirus Violations
NORTH PROVIDENCE, RI — A North Providence restaurant was ordered to temporarily close its doors following "repeated" coronavirus safety violations, according to Attorney general Peter Neronha's Office. Centredale Revival was allowed to reopen after agreeing to follow the state's safety regulations.
The order was issued Rhode Island Superior Court in partnership with Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, the director of the state's Department of Health and Neronha's office. The report accused the restaurant of allowing patrons to not wear masks, ignoring social distancing requirements and staying open after the state's restaurant curfew, which goes into effect at 10 p.m. during the week and 10:30 p.m. on weekends.
"We all know what we need to do to stop the spread of COVID-19, starting with following the guidelines from the Department of Health," Neronha said. "The overwhelming majority of businesses in the State have done the right thing, often at great personal and financial cost, and have complied with DOH guidelines. It is unfortunate, therefore, when certain businesses repeatedly refuse to comply with those guidelines. Those businesses seriously jeopardize the health and safety of Rhode Island communities and undermine our collective effort to beat this pandemic."
The Department of Health first cited the restaurant in December, after inspectors documented the violations. The violation notice required the restaurant to close Dec. 28.
The restaurant was allowed to reopen New Year's Eve after agreeing to follow the state's coronavirus safety guidelines. Not long after, inspectors again documented maskless customers, the bar area open and people congregating throughout the restaurant. The restaurant was again ordered to close Jan. 14, but it stayed open.
On Friday, a Providence County Superior Court judge granted the state's request for a temporary restraining order, which forces the restaurant to close until it is in compliance with safety regulations. After the order was issued, the owner met with the Department of Health and agreed to follow safety guidelines. The restaurant was then allowed to reopen.
This article originally appeared on the Cranston Patch
