Miami Restaurants Shut Down for Violating Covid-19 Safety Guidelines
After being notified Friday night by the Miami-Dade Police Department of reports that New Normal rules were not being followed at three Miami restaurants, City of Miami Police checked on the sites and shut them down for violating Miami-Dade Emergency Order 23-20.
“The safety and welfare of all the residents of Miami-Dade County is paramount during this pandemic,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez. “There will be zero tolerance for establishments that do not follow the rules to protect our community from the spread of COVID-19.”
The three restaurants were Astra in Wynwood, Swan in the Design District and El Secreto Bar & Grill in Little Havana.
The owners of non-compliant businesses may face a $500 fine and up to 180 days in jail.
In order to reopen, businesses that have been closed due to noncompliance must take 24 hours to review the New Normal Guidelines and also take all necessary measures to meet the requirements.
These businesses must also submit an affidavit demonstrating that they have completed the necessary steps to reopen.
On Friday, MDPD conducted 10,220 business checks, mostly in unincorporated areas of the County, and warned 45 business of non-compliance for mostly lesser violations.
"Everyone must take personal responsibility to help stop the spread of this virus," Mayor Gimenez added.
During Miami-Dade County’s “Yellow Phase” restaurants can operate at 50 percent capacity indoors and their employees and patrons must follow all rules, including wearing masks at certain times and always social distancing.