Long Beach Restaurant Owner Hit With Criminal Charges for COVID-19 Violations

Criminal charges have been filed against Restauration owner Dana Tanner, the latest escalation in the restaurant’s ongoing decision to remain open for on-site dining despite regional public health orders (and a local Long Beach order) that bans the practice. In a statement, Long Beach officials accused her of allowing customers to sit on the Restauration patio where they sat less than six feet apart, and once seated, did not require customers to wear masks.

Tanner was charged with four misdemeanors, according to the Long Beach Press Telegram. These charges are in violation of the City of Long Beach and State of California health orders, which temporarily restricts indoor and outdoor dining during the coronavirus pandemic and mandates wearing face coverings. Each could carry both financial penalties and possible jail time.

Tanner has long been vocal about staying open, even as LA County — for a second time — ceased all on-site dining on November 25 when COVID-19 cases began to surge throughout the region. The Long Beach Post reports that Tanner believes it is unfair that retail businesses are allowed to bring customers inside, while restaurants are not.

Authorities have fined Tanner six times since a New Years Eve party there, and suspended her health permit, according to the Long Beach Post. Tanner’s arraignment is scheduled for February 19.

In other news:

• San Pedro’s Colossus Bread closed temporarily after a staff member tested positive for COVID-19.
• L.A. Taco has a harrowing report about Gerardo Iván Olmeda Del Pilar. Del Pilar is a fruit vendor who was robbed and beaten in Long Beach.
• UCLA’s Fowler Museum is hosting an online cooking class with Chinatown’s Pearl River Deli. In the class, you’ll learn how to make their specialty soy sauce chicken. The class is free. Just make sure to RSVP.
• El Monte’s Progress Brewing launched a beer club to help stay in business while showcasing their rare and experimental ales, reports L.A. Taco.
• Junko Suzuki, legendary founder of Suehiro Cafe, died on January 11, one week after contracting COVID-19. She opened Suehiro with her sister Yuriko in 1972.

• Long Beach restaurant owner to keep outdoor dining despite criminal charges alleging violations of health orders [LB Press Telegram]