8 RI Establishments Violated Coronavirus Orders: State

EAST GREENWICH, RI — Eight establishments, including La Masseria in East Greenwich, Harris Bar and Grille in Cranston and Iggy's Food Mart in Warren, were among the eight businesses cited for violating coronavirus orders, according to the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation.

Gov. Gina Raimondo said during her Wednesday news conference that recent inspections revealed that while the overwhelming number of bars and restaurants were doing their best to follow the guidelines, some were not, and the state was planning to ramp up enforcement of the rules.

Harris Bar and Grille was issued an immediate compliance order after the state said inspections revealed repeated violations that the owner told inspectors he did not plan to fix.

"Owner stated to the inspectors that he knows the regulations and that he knows he is not compliant, but that he cannot earn a living and will have to close the establishment if he is forced to comply," the order stated. "Owner further stated that he cannot keep his doors open if he complies with the regulations, so he is choosing not to comply."

WPRI-TV reported Harris Bar and Grille the restaurant reopened Tuesday after correcting the violations.

The La Masseria compliance order stated that the Main Street establishment failed to properly distance tables and that the barrier between the tables and the bar was "in pieces with large gaps all around."

The Iggy's Food Mart compliance order stated the business failed to post proper signage and failed to maintain proper cleaning records.

Since businesses have had weeks to get their openings plans and safety measures in place, Gov. Raimondo said on Wednesday that inspectors will start taking violations more seriously. Those who blatantly disregard regulations, such as allowing crowds at bars or no efforts to social distance patrons, will receive an order of compliance or fine on their first violation.

On the second violation, the business will face a fine or will be ordered to close until the issues are addressed. Smaller violations, such as occasional lapses in mask-wearing or a lack of signage will result in a warning on the first violation, followed by a compliance order or a fine.

"We don't want to shut you down," Raimondo said. "We want you to be open and making money. ... There are those of you out there who are not even trying."

Related Patch Coverage: Rhode Island Stepping Up Enforcement Of Coronavirus Regulations