Even More Michigan Restaurants Receive COVID-19 License Suspensions, Fines, and Restraining Orders

More businesses receive license suspensions and citations for ignoring COVID-19 rules

While many people were recuperating and ruminating on a year unlike any other in more than a century, some restaurants and bars continued to flout Michigan Department of Health and Human Services requirements to cease indoor service. Powell’s Pub in Ypsilanti, Mike’s Sports Page in Charlotte, Plymouth ROC Restaurant, and Sahara Restaurant in Sterling Heights were among the latest businesses to receive emergency suspensions of their liquor licenses and permits. Likewise, the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration fined Andy’s Pizza in Jackson $1,000 for violating COVID-19 workplace safety requirements. Meanwhile, an Ingham County judge took measures a step farther by issuing a temporary restraining order against Café Rosetta of Calumet for continuing to operate after its licenses and permits were suspended by the state.

Supino Pizzeria in New Center awaits final inspections

A long-awaited second outpost of Eastern Market favorite Supino Pizzeria is on track to debut in the first quarter of this year, according to Metro Times. The restaurant is located along Woodward Avenue near the Kitchen By Cooking With Que and Yum Village and will feature a larger kitchen. That will hopefully allow for a broader menu incorporating pizzas and some dishes from owner Dave Mancini’s other adored but short-lived restaurant, La Rondinella. Mancini tells MT the restaurant will likely offer carryout-only service to begin with.

FDA waves steep fees for distilleries producing hand sanitizer

Distilleries across the country that transitioned to making hand sanitizer during a pandemic-caused shortage last year were surprised to learn that they might be required to pay U.S. Food and Drug Administration fees of between $9,373 and $14,060. Both Michigan and national organizations representing the spirits industry argued that it was wrong to punish distilleries with fees for a temporary transition to help fight a deadly virus. Fortunately, the head of Health and Human Services stepped in last week and pledged to stop fee enforcement at distilleries, according to Crain’s.

Big tipper closes out 2021 in Michigan

Becky Beer, a server at J.W. Filmore’s in Petoskey, got a special surprise capping off a tough year — a $2,021 tip on a $44 order. The tip was left by a couple who opted to remain anonymous, according to the Petoskey News-Review. On the receipt they wrote: “JBN Tip Challenge, Just Be Nice, 2021 Happy New Year.”

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