JONESVILLE, MI (WTVB) – Spangler’s Family Restaurant in Jonesville was one of nearly a dozen establishments around Michigan that have been cited and fined in recent weeks for violating COVID-19 restriction orders from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
Indoor dining has been prohibited since November 18 in an attempt to control the spread of COVID-19. The current order is in effect until January 16 but there is hope it could be lifted early if COVID-19 numbers remain on a downward trend in Michigan.
Spangler’s was issued a citation for the civil fine on December 16. The M.D.H.H.S. issued penalties of up to $1,000 for each violation or day that a violation continues.
Meanwhile, the D&R Daily Grind on Portage Road in Portage was fined $2,000 on December 16.
Many of the restaurants who disobeyed the state order said they had to open in order to survive and stay in business.
Spangler’s owner Mitch Spangler said in late November he would reopen the restaurant and explained in a Facebook post, “It’s now do or die time….. The first shutdown hit us hard. We only recently were starting to recover. However, this time we are not going to be able to make it through and stay open on only take-out and delivery.”
Information was received by the M.D.H.H.S. from local health departments and local law enforcement regarding non-compliance with the order. The civil fines are due within 30 days of receipt of the citations.
M.D.H.H.S. Director Robert Gordon says a vast majority of restaurant and bar owners have temporarily closed indoor service in order to help contain the spread of COVID-19.
He added, “We continue to see improvements in the numbers, and we know that the public health orders we have put in place are working. I look forward to the day when indoor service can reopen.”
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