Although the ban on restaurant outdoor dining was lifted a week ago, Los Angeles County filed lawsuits against two restaurants that have allegedly constituted a public nuisance by ignoring the edict put in place in late November to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
The Los Angeles Superior Court lawsuit filed on Jan. 27 takes aim at the Cronies Sports Grill on Kanan Road in Agoura Hills and the Tinhorn Flats Saloon & Grill on Magnolia Boulevard in Burbank. The suit asks for an abatement order directing both restaurants to bring their businesses into compliance with the health orders and to allow inspectors to enter to ensure compliance.
The suit also seeks civil penalty assessments against the businesses for each day they allegedly did not abide by the health directives.
Asked why the suit was filed two days before the outdoor dining ban was being lifted, the Office of Countywide Communications issued a statement in explanation.
“The complaint asks the court to order the defendants … to comply with the health officer orders to safeguard the health of our county’s residents during this devastating public health emergency,’’ the statement said. “We do not take this action lightly. However, as the complaint notes, ‘defendants’ actions constitute a public nuisance and must be stopped.’’’
Both businesses were given repeated notices, written directives, citations and appeals to “do the right thing’’ and comply voluntarily with the health officer mandates, the statement explained.
Thousands of other businesses have stepped up to do their part to protect the public’s health during an unprecedented emergency, according to the county statement.
“We are grateful that they are doing the right thing to help our county through this unprecedented and dangerous time,’’ the statement said.
