Shutdown-Defiant Tinhorn Flats Loses Business License

BURBANK, CA — Tinhorn Flats, a Burbank restaurant that led the chaarge against pandemic shutdowns lost the battle this week when the City Council voted to revoke its license.

The Burbank City Council's decision was unanimous, and it's the culmination of a months-long battle by the family-owned restaurant to resist the county and state orders prohibiting in-person restaurant dining during the worst days of the coronavirus outbreak.

Tinhorn Flats Owner Baret Lepejian spent much of the last few months railing against mask mandates and dining prohibitions as tyrannical. According to city and county health officials, the restaurant continued to serve customers in-person over the winter in defiance of warnings and cease and desist orders. Patch was unable to reach Lepejian for comment on the city's decision. However, in an Instagram post Tuesday, the restaurant seemed poised to continue its rebellion.

The business, located at 2628 W. Magnolia Blvd., must close, according to Burbank City Attorney Amy Albano, who added that if the restaurant's owners do not comply a lawsuit will be filed and a court order will be sought to close the business.

An attorney for the restaurant said the business has always been in compliance with health orders and does not provide indoor dining or have its staff serve anyone in their outdoor patio.

One of the restaurant's owners said food is placed in to-go containers and disposable cups are used and the restaurant is sanitized and workers wear masks. However, social media posts have shown customers dining indoor and outdoors, according to LA.Eater.com.

Tinhorn Flats had its health permit suspended by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health in December for violating health officer orders.

In January the county issued a cease and desist order and later revoked the restaurant's public health permit.

City News Service and Patch Staffer Paige Austin contributed to this report.