Andiamo in Warren Is Among the Latest Restaurants to Face License Suspensions for Violating COVID-19 Orders

The Warren location of Andiamo is among the latest round of businesses to face licensing and permitting suspension from the state for failing to properly comply with COVID-19 epidemic orders.

Andiamo is owned by Joe Vicari, who made headlines in recent weeks for calling on fellow restaurateurs to fight back against extension of indoor dining bans in Michigan. He later softened his statements.

According to a Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) ordered the suspension of liquor licenses and permits for the 14 Mile Road location of Andiamo on Thursday, December 10. The decision to suspend the licenses and permits came after an investigation conducted by the MLCC’s Enforcement Division on Friday, December 4, based on a complaint filed with the agency. It alleged that the restaurant had permitted indoor service for a wedding reception with more than 75 guests on Sunday, November 29. During the the MLCC fact-finding visit, investigators observed another wedding reception that violated the orders according to the report:

Upon arrival at 8:45 p.m., they observed 5 cars in the front parking lot and more than 30 cars in the rear parking lot. When they entered the licensed premises, they found that a wedding reception was taking place with a seating chart that listed 62 guests with table assignments. Inside the ballroom, guests were observed seated at tables, mingling around the ballroom and standing at the bar. There were approximately 10 tables in the ballroom. The tables appeared to be properly spaced, however the guests were not socially distanced at the tables or when mingling around the ballroom. None of the guest were wearing masks. There appeared to be at least 40 people inside the ballroom. Plates of food were observed on the tables, which was indicative of there being food service. A full-service bar, staffed by a male and female who were both wearing masks, was actively in operation.

The MLCC has also suspended the licenses and permits for Polski’s Pub & Grub in Clinton Township on Thursday, December 10, after finding that the bar was allowing indoor service without requiring masks or social distancing.

Likewise, on Friday, December 11, the MLCC suspended the liquor licenses and permits for the century-old Kal-Ho Bar in Kalkaska. Investigators visited the bar based off of a complaint lodged on Wednesday, November 25, alleging Kal-Ho was allowing indoor service. Investigators observed during a visit on Friday, December 4, that none of the staff were wearing masks and that patrons were seated indoors, eating and drinking without masks or social distancing.

Dex Loggers Landing in Luther also received suspensions, for allowing indoor service without masks, as did Spanky’s Tavern in Battle Creek. Operators for Kal-Ho, Polski’s, Dex Loggers, and Andiamo are scheduled for a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge on Friday, December 18. Spanky’s had a hearing on Monday, December 14.

Additionally, three other licensees — Charlie’s Bar & Grill in Potterville, Plaza Lanes in Plymouth Township, and Hatorando Sushi and Sports Bar in Hartland — also received suspensions for similarly violating state epidemic orders. Those businesses are due to meet before a judge on Wednesday, December 23.

But that’s not all. The Office Bar in Port Huron was also slapped with suspensions of its liquor licenses and permits on Monday, December 7, for, you guessed it, not following state epidemic orders. Investigators who visited the site on Tuesday, December 1, observed customers seated indoors without face masks, not social distancing.

Since September, a total of 21 Michigan liquor licenses have received suspensions for violating state orders meant to curbed the rapid spread of COVID-19 cases across the state. Anyone with a concern about a business’s compliance can report the issue to the MLCC by filing a complaint with the MLCC Enforcement Division online or by calling the division’s hotline, toll-free, at 866-893-2121.

Currently, restaurants and bars are only permitted to offer carryout, delivery, or outdoor dining under specific guidelines with social distancing and masks.

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