Restaurants that opened during yellow phase face punishment
Violations could result in 5-figure daily fines
Restaurants in the Pittsburgh region could face suspension of their licenses and fines up to $10,000 a day if they reopen their dining rooms in violation of the state’s shutdown orders, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture announced Thursday.
“It’s important that Pennsylvania’s restaurants don’t stray from the course now. We’ve come too far, sacrificed too much to change our path” in the effort to stop the spread of COVID-19, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said. “Restaurants are encouraged to continue only offering their services for carryout or delivery.”
The agriculture department conducts food safety inspections at thousands of restaurants across the state outside of Allegheny County, including in most regions of Butler, Beaver, Washington and Westmoreland counties.
Allegheny County restaurants are under the jurisdiction of the Allegheny County Health Department. The county was less specific about its plans for handling restaurants caught opening dine-in service.
“The health department’s first objective when confronting a business that is not complying with public health and safety orders is to provide information and educational materials on what the business should be doing,” county spokeswoman Amie Downs said.
“If noncompliance continues, further enforcement measures could occur.”
The agriculture department said violators will first receive a warning letter. If they remain open, the state will move to revoke their operator’s license.
Those that still continue to operate will have complaints filed against them in magisterial court and could face civil penalties of up to $10,000 per day, the department said.
The department said it will work with the Pennsylvania Department of Health and other agencies — such as with the Pennsylvania State Police and Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board — to report and follow up on violations.
“We know that people dining together in a restaurant puts many people at risk of exposure, including patrons and employees,” Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine said. “It is essential that restaurants comply with guidance and continue with carryout and delivery options at this time. Social distancing is a primary tool to fight this virus, and we must stay the course.”
Restaurants in either the red or yellow phases of Gov. Tom Wolf’s reopening plan are limited to takeout and delivery.