Press Releases
Montgomery County Officials Close One Business; Issue Warnings to Others for Not Complying with COVID-19 Restrictions
For Immediate Release: Monday, July 27, 2020
Montgomery County Health and Human Services and Alcohol Beverage Services inspectors continue to respond to and investigate reports that some local businesses are not following Phase 2 reopening requirements. During inspections performed over the weekend, one business was closed for not complying with COVID-19 requirements for reopening. In addition, two businesses received $500 citations for noncompliance. Since early July, inspectors have visited establishments in the major entertainment areas of Bethesda, North Bethesda, Gaithersburg, Rockville and Silver Spring to provide education about the requirements. Inspections have also been completed to follow up on complaints received from residents and patrons.
The Republic Garden, located at 8402 Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring, was issued a 30-day closure order on Sunday, July 26 for not maintaining the minimum, six-feet physical distancing. The establishment’s license was previously suspended on July 12 for not maintaining adequate physical distancing. At the time of the inspector’s visit on Sunday, the written plan to ensure adequate physical distancing submitted by The Republic Garden to reinstate its license was observed to be in violation.
The Block, located at 967 Rose Avenue in the Pike & Rose section of North Bethesda, was issued a $500 civil citation for not maintaining the minimum, six-feet physical distancing and its license was suspended. Two weeks, ago they were issued a $500 civil citation for the same violation. A written plan detailing how requirements set forth in Executive Order 0820-20 will be met must be submitted to, and approved by, the Department of Health and Human Services before reopening.
Responding to multiple complaints, on Friday, July 24 Lancaster County Meats, located within the Lancaster County Dutch Market at 12613 Wisteria Drive in Germantown, was issued a $500 civil citation and its license was suspended for failure to require employees to wear a face mask. A written plan detailing how requirements set forth in Executive Order 0820-20 will be met must be submitted to, and approved by, the Department of Health and Human Services before reopening.
Responding to a complaint, on Friday, July 24 Lone Oak Farm Brewing, located at 5000 Olney-Laytonsville Road in Olney was reminded that Executive Order MDH 2020-06-12-01 issued by the Maryland Department of Health prohibits live music performances and also reminded of Section 4 of the Montgomery County Executive Order 082-20 (indoor and outdoor gatherings) and Section 5 (large gatherings). The facility was ordered to stop serving food without the proper food service facility license and asked to submit a plan for food service for review.
For several weeks after reopening, County business ambassadors visited more than 1,900 businesses to provide education about the requirements to comply with Phase 2 of 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 Reopening webpage 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 hhsmail@montgomerycountymd.gov 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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Release ID: 20-407Media Contact: Mary Anderson 301-529-7669