Authorities Changed Locks On Lacey's Lakeside Diner

LACEY, NJ — Authorities say they changed Lakeside Diner's locks early Friday morning since the owner has repeatedly defied Gov. Phil Murphy's ban on indoor dining and received several citations.

The Ocean County Sheriff's Office assisted Lacey police Friday morning at the request of the County Prosecutor's Office, according to Sheriff Michael G. Mastronardy. Lacey police did not immediately return comment.

"I just got off the phone with the owner of the diner, Brian (Brindisi)," Mastronardy told Patch. "He assured me that our officers treated him with the respect that he did them."

Mastronardy did not address what happened after authorities took the action.

"With us, there’s no issues," he said. "But we’re responsible for assisting law enforcement agencies, whether it’s ICE or the Prosecutor’s Office."

Judith M. Persichilli, New Jersey's Department of Health commissioner, issued a closure order Aug. 13. A temporary restraining order was issued against the diner, according to state officials.

State officials said the measure wasn't an "intimidation tactic," but Murphy said authorities are sending a message.

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"It’s irresponsible, selfish behavior," Murphy said of allowing indoor dining. "The answer is, you’re damn right we’re going to enforce it."

An OAG spokesperson sent the following statement to Patch:

"We are taking action to effectuate the court’s order. We regret having to take this action, but Lakeside Diner continues to operate in a manner that puts the public health at risk. To date, the diner has been issued multiple criminal citations for continuing to offer indoor dining services in knowing violation of orders from the Governor and the New Jersey Department of Health. We remain in the midst of a global pandemic. If we’re going to prevent a second wave of COVID-19 in New Jersey, we need everyone in this state — including diner and restaurant owners — to do their part and follow the law."

Video from News12 New Jersey shows officers at the Lakeside Diner, but the news station also said the restaurant continued serving customers indoors later Friday morning.

State Police Superintendent Col. Patrick J. Callahan said he believes the Lakeside Diner has ample space for outdoor dining. Murphy agreed.

"Our particular sympathy is with the restaurants that don’t have that option to have a significant outside footprint, and there are a lot of them in this state," Murphy said. "... It’s not like the Lakeside Diner where I’ve seen the pictures and you can dine outdoors."

The Lakeside Diner has offered limited indoor dining throughout the pandemic while setting up tables outdoors. Staff keeps tables spaced out, takes temperatures and wears masks and gloves. Owner Brian Brindisi has told Patch he's done so to stay in business.

The diner has received local praise from returning customers but has frustrated state officials, who have prohibited indoor dining since mid-March.

State officials announced July 31 that they ordered the restaurant to shut down. But Brindisi told Patch that day he would continue operating. Read more: State Orders Lacey's Lakeside Diner To Shut Down, Owner Refuses

This is a developing story. Patch will update.

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