A Holland Michigan restaurant that refused to stop in-dining service during the state ordered shut-down will remain suspended following a judge's orders. Marlena's Bistro and Pizzeria, in Holland, instead stayed open for in-dining service, and health officials say in addition, masks were not required by either employees or customers.
In a Jan. 25 post on the restaurant’s Facebook page, owner Marlena Pavlos Hackney wrote:
“Opening tomorrow morning at 6:00am. Thank you to everyone that supports me and Stand Up Michigan. I’m simply exercising my constitutional rights.”
“Stand Up Michigan” is a far right conservative group whose website perpetuates the narrative that widespread voter fraud lead to President Joe Biden's victory, while encouraging business owners to defy government orders and remain open during the COVID-19 pandemic.
And the move has cost the pizza parlor its food license for the time being., after Administrative Law Judge Lauren Van Steel wrote:
“The record evidence shows that for several months (Pavlos Hackney) knowingly has not complied with both local and state health department requirements that were established to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to employees, customers, and the community,”
If the restaurant refuses the suspension, it could result in a misdemeanor charge, and 90 days in jail.