Press Releases
Montgomery County Officials Close Two Businesses; Issue Warnings to Two for Not Complying with COVID-19 Restrictions
For Immediate Release: Tuesday, July 14, 2020
During inspections performed over the past weekend, two County businesses were closed for not complying with COVID-19 restrictions in place. In addition, one business received a written warning and a second business received a $500 citation for noncompliance.
Society Lounge, located at 8229 Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring was closed and their license suspended on Sunday, July 12 for not maintaining adequate social distancing. A written plan detailing how requirements set forth in Executive Order 082-20 will be met must be submitted to, and approved by, the Department of Health and Human Services before reopening.
The Republic Garden, located at 8402 Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring was also closed and their license suspended on Sunday, July 12 for not maintaining adequate social distancing. A written plan detailing how requirements set forth in Executive Order 082-20 will be met must be submitted to, and approved by, the Department of Health and Human Services before reopening.
On Saturday, July 11, County health and liquor inspectors issued a warning and a citation for not meeting requirements of Executive Order 082-20. Ay! Jalisco, located at 8401 Snouffer School Road in Gaithersburg, was cited for employees not wearing masks and received a written warning. Any subsequent violation is punishable by a $500 class-A civil citation and license suspension. The Block, located at 967 Rose Avenue in the Pike & Rose section of Rockville, was cited for not maintaining the minimum six-foot physical distancing policy. They received a $500 class-A civil citation because they received education on July 8, and the County received multiple complaints. Subsequent violations could lead to a license suspension.
For several weeks after reopening, County business ambassadors visited more than 1,900 businesses to provide education about the requirements to comply with reopening. Beginning the first weekend in July, County inspectors visited businesses throughout the community and inspections will continue.
In addition to visits from the business ambassadors, there is specific information on the COVID-19 website with requirements and guidance for a variety of businesses, including retail, restaurants, pool, hair salons and barber shops.
Residents who have concerns about a business not following COVID-19 restrictions should email [email protected] or call 311.
For the latest COVID-19 updates, visit the County’s COVID-19 website as well as the County’s data dashboard or follow Montgomery County on Facebook @MontgomeryCountyInfo and Twitter @MontgomeryCountyMD.
Put the “count” in Montgomery County! Be sure to complete the Census online, by phone, or by mail. It’s safe, confidential, easy, and important. #2020Census #EveryoneCountsMCMD
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Media Contact: Mary Anderson 301-529-7669