State Employee Claims Firing Over COVID Fine Dispute: Report

BRIDGEPORT, CT — A state Department of Health employee claims he was fired after he questioned the state's authority to fine a former Bridgeport bar $10,000 for violating COVID019 restrictions, according to The Connecticut Post. Av Harris was spokesman for the Department of Public Health and said he was fired New Year's Eve.

The state levied a $10,000 fine against the owner of a Bridgeport building—the former Mango'z sports bar—where more than 25 people had gathered after the state's 10 p.m. curfew. However, when Harris expressed concern about the department's legal authority to levy the fine, he claims he was fired, according to The Connecticut Post.

The Dec. 20 gathering at the former sports bar at 456 Connecticut Ave. ended in violence as four people were shot and two died. The former bar was being rented out as a private club.

Police said that there has been a recurring problem with people using the space as a private club and bringing their own liquor. DPH has referred the matter to the State's Attorney for Bridgeport to determine a possible violation of liquor control laws.

Gov. Ned Lamont later announced that the owners of the building would be fined.

"While the overwhelming number of businesses in Connecticut have done a great job partnering with the state and complying with the necessary protocols to prevent the spread of this virus, a small number still think the rules don't apply to them, and these enforcement actions are necessary for those who put the health and safety of their customers and staff at risk," Lamont said.

See related: Owner Of Former Bridgeport Bar Clears Record On Violations