Pineapple Hill Saloon & Grill Owner Decries Outdoor Dining Ban

SHERMAN OAKS, CA — The owner of Pineapple Hill Saloon & Grill is lashing out against Los Angeles County's ban on outdoor dining, after watching a production company set up dining tents for a legal film shoot right across from her shuttered patio. After seeing the display, owner Angela Marsden posted an emotional video on her Facebook page, accusing the mayor and health officials of hypocrisy at their lack of support for small business owners.

Marsden called the film shoot a "slap in the face" after going the extra mile to set up outdoor dining only to be shut down once again.

"How can you tell me that this is dangerous, but right next to me... that's safe?" she asks. "Mayor Garcetti and Gavin Newsom is responsible for every single person that doesn't have unemployment, that doesn't have a job, and all the businesses that are going under. We need somebody to do something about this."

Previously, Los Angeles County released strict guidelines outlining protocols that studios must follow to shoot. According to the county website, cast and crew must accept periodic testing, face coverings and PPE when not on screen, and similar physical distancing rules.

On Saturday, Marsden hosted a protest outside Supervisor Sheila Kuehl's house in Santa Monica calling for the county to re-open outdoor bars and dining. Attendees called for officials to "reopen L.A.," and held signs saying "the 'cure' is worse than the virus."

Marsden has also launched a GoFundMe asking for donations to keep the restaurant open, which has brought in over $130,000 as of Monday.

Marsden told ABC7 she spent around $80,000 setting up an outdoor dining area, but can't afford to simply offer takeout and delivery following the ban on outdoor dining. On December 1, Pineapple Hill announced they would be closed for at least 3 weeks due to the new rules.

"We're doing what we can to try to re-open safely, but To Go orders are just not enough to keep the lights on, in the mean time," the restaurant said. "If you're interested in joining us in our efforts to convince our leaders to allow the re-opening of safe, outdoor dining, please DM us."

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