Glen Burnie Entities Violate Coronavirus Regulations, Mask Order

GLEN BURNIE, MD — The Anne Arundel County Department of Health recently cited almost 40 businesses for failing a weekly coronavirus-related inspection. On July 24, Pittman reinstated limits on social gatherings and late-night dining. Businesses now face a fine for defying coronavirus restrictions.

Three county businesses have breached the health code twice. No business has broken orders three times. The Pennsylvania Dutch Farmers Market remains the only facility temporarily closed for its offenses. The department of health shut the food vendor down on July 24 after two separate counts of maskless workers. It reopened six days later after passing reinspection.

This latest report released by the county revealed that 12 of the offenders are eateries, 11 are storefronts and three are beauty parlors. The largest companies to break Anne Arundel County's rules are Southwest Airlines, Walmart and Domino's.

Of the 37 reported violators, 30 had poor mask usage. Five of those businesses also disobeyed social distancing requirements. Buffet operations incurred penalties at two sites. Two others exceeded their capacity limits, and two more stayed open past their curfew. One employer didn't screen its staffers properly as they entered the workplace.

If the department of health finds a business out of line with any of these codes, it will issue an order of immediate compliance. The department will reinspect the establishment within three business days. If the company cannot or will not fix its behavior, the county health officer will shut its doors. Anne Arundel County will update its list of failed inspections weekly.

• Lowe’s Glen Burnie at 6650 Ritchie Hwy. was cited with a mask violation July 13.
• Maisel Brothers, 16 8th Avenue NW, was cited with a mask violation July 13.
• Hibachi & Sushi Supreme Buffet, 6619 Ritchie Hwy, was cited with a food service violation July 13.
• Tony’s Barber Shop, 1108 Crain Hwy S.,was cited July 16 and July 24 with a mask violation.
• Fancy Nails, 6710 Ritchie Hwy, was cited for exceeding the number of people allowed July 18.
• Pizza Raven, 7621 B & A Blvd., was cited for a mask violation July 21.
• Chris Furnace Branch Barber, 7304 E Furnace Branch Rd., was cited for a mask violation and social distancing violation July 24.
• Parsley’s Pub, 896 Brighton Pl., was cited for a mask violation and social distancing violation July 31.
• Fellowship Baptist Church, 1015 Sundown Rd., was cited for a mask violation Aug. 16.

Coronavirus Regulations

Indoor gatherings are capped at 25 people. Outdoor gatherings are restricted to 50. Pittman's order says social gatherings are congregations of people that do not involve patronizing or operating a business or spiritual facility. Restaurants, bars, stores, casinos, offices, religious buildings and youth sports teams do not fall under the social gathering rules.

Restaurants and bars still must operate at 50 percent capacity and keep tables at least 6 feet apart. Customers and workers are still required to wear a mask in all public places where they cannot socially distance. This includes indoor and outdoor venues, as well as busy common areas like sidewalks.

Restaurants and bars must stop all indoor service by 10 p.m., Pittman's executive order states. Food courts inside shopping malls can no longer have dine-in seating, but they may continue serving carry-out. Malls and the stores inside can stay open.

The mandate institutes a $500 fine for businesses that break these coronavirus regulations. Previously, the Anne Arundel County Department of Health had relied on education rather than punishment to address wrongdoings.

Now, the department will fine businesses for their first violation. A second infraction wields a $1,000 fine. A third breach carries a $5,000 fine. With any more offenses, a business owner could face up to a year in prison.

Patch Editor Jacob Baumgart contributed to this story.