Michigan Restaurants and Bars That Received Fines and License Suspensions Due to COVID-19 Restrictions

Over the last few months, agencies including the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC), Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), and the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) have stepped up their inspections of restaurants, bars, and other hospitality-related business to ensure that they’re staying compliant with COVID-19 safety precautions and statewide orders.

The goal is to keep patrons and workers safe while also slowing the spread of novel coronavirus within Michigan and making sure all establishments are held to the same standards. Agencies have used a variety of measures to deter operators from defying epidemic orders including issuing citations of up to $1,000 per day for indoor dining service and suspending liquor licenses and permits. While the fines listed below were issued, it’s possible that some businesses have entered into agreements with agencies to correct the issues and pay a reduced fine.

Eater Detroit has been tracking these citations and licensing suspensions along the way with the goal of documenting the violations all in one place. It’s important to note that the vast majority of establishments in Michigan are doing the right thing and trying to follow the states evolving rules surround COVID-19 service. Currently, restaurants and bars are closed for indoor service through Friday, January 15, and there are limitations on some forms of outdoor service. For more details on what the current rules are on dining in Michigan right now, visit Eater’s guide.

Anyone with a concern about a business’s compliance can report the issue to the MLCC by filing a complaint with the Enforcement Division online or by calling the division’s hotline at 866-893-2121. MIOSHA also accepts complaints online or by calling 855-723-3219.

January 15, 2021

• Bitely Tavern in Bitely received an emergency suspension of liquor license and permits on January 6 after a state investigator observed a maskless gathering inside the restaurant.

January 14, 2021

• Corky’s Beal City Tavern in Mt. Pleasant received an emergency suspension of liquor licenses and permits on January 8 after a state investigator allegedly observed an indoor maskless gathering.
• The Post Local Bistro in Plymouth received an emergency suspension of liquor license and permits on January 8 after a state investigator found “nearly every seat occupied” in the outdoor service area of the restaurant, tables spaced less than six feet apart, and more than 100 people outside.

January 13, 2021

• Minnie’s Rhythm Cafe in the Bricktown district of downtown Detroit receive an emergency liquor license and permit suspension on Wednesday, January 6, after state investigators allegedly observed a large maskless gathering inside the bar.
• Down the Tracks in Flint received a liquor license and permit suspension on Monday, January 11, after investigators responding to “multiple complaints” observed that the bar was offering food and beverage service inside.
• Lakeview Lounge in Battle Creek had its licenses and permits suspended by the MLCC on Tuesday, January 12. Authorities visited the bar after receiving a complaint and observed individuals drinking inside the bar and a bartender without a mask.
• Iron Pig Smokehouse in Gaylord is back in the news again after already receiving $5,000 in fines from MDHHS on December 2 as well as liquor license and permit suspensions. The Traverse City Record-Eagle reports that the restaurant has now had its food license suspended by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

January 11, 2021

• Cafe Rosetta in Calumet received its first $1,000 fine from MDHHS prior to November 25. The restaurant was then issued $4,000 in fines on December 2 followed by a temporary restraining order for continuing to operate after its licenses and permits were suspended by the state after MDHHS. The business was then further fined $2,500 for continuing to serve customers indoors.
• Hatorando Sushi in Hartland received a $2,000 fine from MDHHS on Dec. 2. It’s licenses and permits were then suspended by the MLCC.
• Rockhouse Grill & Tavern in Houghton received a $1,000 fine from MDHHS on December 4.
• Spangler’s Family Restaurant in Jonesville received $11,000 in fines from MDHHS on December 16.
• Cravins in Hudson received a $1,000 fine from MDHHS on December 16.
• Bernita Mae Café in Sand Lake received a $4,000 from MDHHS on December 16.
• D&R Daily Grind in Portage received a $2,000 fine from MDHHS on December 16.
• Wild Roast Coffee in Grandville received a $2,000 fine from MDHHS on December 16.
• Woodchips Barbecue in Lapeer received a $1,000 fine from MDHHS in November 2020 followed by a licensing and permit suspension from the MLCC on December 4. The restaurant was then fined $4,000 by MDHHS on December 16.
• John Cowley & Sons Irish Pub in Farmington received a $1,000 fine from MDHHS on December 16.
• Big Boy of Sandusky — now called Sandusky Diner after being ousted from the franchise — was issued a $5,000 fine from MDHHS on December 2.
• Powell’s Pub in Ypsilanti received suspensions of its liquor licenses and permits from the MLCC on December 23.
• Mike’s Sports Page in Charlotte received suspensions of its liquor licenses and permits from the MLCC on December 23.
• Plymouth ROC Restaurant received suspensions of its liquor licenses and permits from the MLCC on December 23.
• Sahara Restaurant in Sterling Heights received suspensions of its liquor licenses and permits from the MLCC on December 24.
• Andy’s Pizza in Jackson received a $1,000 fine from MIOSHA for violating COVID-19 workplace safety requirements on December 10.
• Tenacity Brewing Company in Flint received licensing and permit suspensions on December 18 from the MLCC.
• Oak Cafe in Wyandotte had its liquor licenses and permits suspended on December 16 by the MLCC. An investigator who visited the venue eventually found it necessary to contact law enforcement “as the crowd at the bar was becoming increasingly hostile and the bartender refused to cooperate with the investigator.”
• J. Knapps in Richmond received MLCC licensing and permit suspensions on December 19 for allowing patrons and employees to gather inside without masks or social distancing.
• Limelight Pizza Kitchen Grill & Bar in Warren received suspensions of its MLCC licenses and permits on December 19.
• Fast Eddie’s Bar & Grill in Mount Clemens received suspensions of its MLCC licenses and permits on December 19.
• Royal Scot Golf & Bowl in Lansing received an MLCC license and permitting suspension on December 4.
• Fire Rock Grille in Caledonia, received a $6,300 fine from MIOSHA for COVID-19 workplace violations stemming from incidents observed over the summer including failing to enforce rules requiring customers to wear face coverings, not closing waiting areas while customers waited for tables, and not avoiding large gatherings.
• Mine Shaft & Rock House in Houghton received an MLCC licensing and permit suspension on November 25.
• Chapz Roadhouse in Lakeview received an MLCC licensing and permit suspension on November 25.
• The Silver Beach Hotel in St. Joseph was issued licensing and permit suspensions by the MLCC on December 1.
• Jimmy’s Roadhouse in Newaygo received an MLCC licensing and permit suspension on November 24 followed by a $1,000 fine from MDHHS on December 16.
• Brew Works of Fremont received an MLCC licensing and permit suspension on November 24.
• The Meeting Place received an MLCC licensing and permit suspension on November 25 as well as a $1,000 fine from MDHHS.
• Donutville USA in Dearborn was also allegedly fined for breaking COVID-19 restrictions, and created a GoFundMe page to help cover the cost.
• Daner’s Diner in Lapeer fined $1,900 by MIOSHA for violations of COVID-19 workplace safety requirements following an employee complaint.
• Twin Peaks in Livonia was cited by MIOSHA for a violation of the COVID-19 workplace safety under the emergency rules requirement regarding a written preparedness and response plan based on employee complaint. This was a $0 penalty and the record states that the issue was corrected during the inspection.
• Fresh Pak, a produce packing facility based in Detroit was fined $4,900 by MIOSHA for violating workplace safety rules in August 2020.
• Shoppers Market Warren in Warren was fined $1,500 by MIOSHA in August 2020.
• Cops and Doughnuts in Bay City was fined $1,500 in September 2020 by MIOSHA.
• Wendy’s, operated by Meritage Hospitality Group Inc., in Eastpoint was fined $4,000 by MIOSHA in September 2020.
• FireRock Grille in Caledonia, operated by Red River Restaurant Group, was fined $6,300 by MIOSHA for violations of COVID-19 workplace safety requirements in November 2020.
• Americus Grill’s Brighton location was fined $400 by MIOSHA for violations of COVID-19 workplace safety requirements in August 2020.
• Andiamo in Warren received an MLCC liquor licensing and permit suspension in December 2020.
• Polski’s Pub & Grub in Clinton Township had its licenses and permits suspended by the MLCC on December 10.
• Kal-Ho Bar in Kalkaska received an MLCC licensing and permitting suspension in December 2020.
• Dex Loggers Landing in Luther also received suspensions of its liquor licenses and permits for allowing indoor service without masks.
• Spanky’s Tavern in Battle Creek received license and permit suspensions from the MLCC in December 2020.
• Charlie’s Bar & Grill in Potterville received an MLCC license and permit suspension in December 2020.
• Plaza Lanes in Plymouth Township received an MLCC license and permit suspension in December 2020.
• The Office Bar in Port Huron received suspensions of its liquor licenses and permits on December 7 for not following state epidemic orders.

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