4 MoCo Businesses Violate Coronavirus Orders, Officials Say

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — One business was closed for a month and three others were cited or warned in Montgomery County over the weekend for violating regulations in place to protect people from the coronavirus, according to county health officials. Since Montgomery County entered phase two of reopening in June, county business ambassadors visited more than 1,900 businesses to educate owners about the new requirements.

Officials said in early July they began inspections to check on compliance, which resulted in the following closures, suspensions and warnings. Inspections are expected to be ongoing.

The Republic Garden in Silver Spring must close for 30 days starting Sunday, July 26, for not ensuring 6 feet of distance between people, authorities reported Monday. An inspector who visited Sunday reported the restaurant was not adhering to its own plan to maintain this distance.

This was not its first warning; inspectors from Montgomery County Health and Human Services and Alcohol Beverage Services said they suspended the restaurant's license July 12 for not maintaining physical distancing, and the business had submitted a plan to get its license reinstated at 8402 Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring.

Three businesses were warned and/or cited:

The Block at 967 Rose Avenue in the Pike & Rose section of North Bethesda had its license suspended and was fined $500 and issued a civil citation for not maintaining 6 feet of physical distancing. It must submit a plan in writing detailing how it plans to comply, in accordance with the executive order from County Executive Marc Elrich, which stipulates 6 feet of distance is required for those seated at tables and at the bar, and that employees and customers must be 6 feet apart as well. The Department of Health and Human Services must approve of the plan before it can reopen.

This is also not the first violation for The Block, which was fined $500 two weeks ago for the same violation, official said.

Lancaster County Meats in the Lancaster County Dutch Market at 12613 Wisteria Drive in Germantown was also issued a $500 civil citation and its license was suspended for failure to require employees to wear a face mask, officials said. An inspection was conducted there Friday, July 24, due to "multiple complaints" about the business, according to a statement from the county. Before it can reopen, Lancaster County Meets must submit a plan that is approved by the health department detailing how it will comply going forward with the county's requirements for reopening.

Lone Oak Farm Brewing at 5000 Olney-Laytonsville Road in Olney was ordered to stop serving food after it was found operating without the proper food service facility license, according to Montgomery County officials. Inspectors also said they reminded the business that live music was prohibited except for live-streaming or broadcasting, in accordance with the order issued by the Maryland Department of Health. In addition, inspectors said they reminded the brewing company of the Montgomery County order that prohibits gatherings of more than 50 people. The inspection on Friday, July 24, was prompted by a complaint, officials said.

Montgomery County has a reopening page that provides guidance for business owners.

Last week, Gov. Larry Hogan praised Montgomery County officials for cracking down on violators. He has said it is the local jurisdiction's responsibility to enforce regulations in place to protect public health.

Those who have concerns about businesses in Montgomery County following protocols can email hhsmail@montgomerycountymd.gov or call 311.

See Also:

• Nearly 70 Compliance Complaints Lodged Against Businesses July 7
• MD Coronavirus Trends 'Stable,' Hogan Says, As Baltimore Limits Dining