Footage shot inside a Colorado restaurant went viral on Sunday after the owners violated state orders by hosting hundreds of people on Mother’s Day. In addition to serving scores of customers, the restaurant staff failed to enforce public safety measures meant to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including social distancing and face coverings. Despite penalties in place for violating the order and prohibiting restaurants from offering dine-in services until May 26, C&C Coffee and Kitchen owner April Arellano expressed no remorse.
While no immediate action was taken Sunday, a spokeswoman for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment told The Denver Post that the case would be looked into and that the violation is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $1,000 or up to one year in jail. Following an investigation, public health officials closed the restaurant Monday after concluding that the owners ignored warnings prohibiting the use of their dining room.
"The restaurant was ordered to close immediately" around midday Monday, the Tri-County Health Department told NPR. "It is disheartening that this restaurant has chosen to move ahead of the public orders and not even consider implementing best practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19," said John M. Douglas Jr., the health department's executive director.
The video shot inside of the busy restaurant depicted crowds in every corner, including the patio portion of the establishment. Only one person out of the hundreds seen in the video is wearing a face mask. According to the health department, the way the business operated created the potential risk of a surge in cases. If the restaurant continues to violate state restrictions it could lose its license, Douglas said. He added that if the restaurant agrees to follow rules and regulations on takeout orders, the closure will be lifted.
While some criticized the restaurant’s decision to open its doors without practicing safety protocols, others came to its quick defense. The restaurant’s Facebook page, on which Arellano had originally shared a live video expressing her happiness over the turnout, had mixed comments. The video has since been deleted. Some commenters praised Arellano for operating while others criticized her for putting thousands at risk. "So much selfish stupidity. If it was just themselves they were endangering I wouldn't care, but we're all connected. It's a pandemic and people are dying," a commenter wrote on Colorado Public Radio's Facebook post about the reopening.
The governor’s office issued a statement Sunday calling the restaurant’s actions dangerous. “These restaurants are not only breaking the law, they are endangering the lives of their staff, customers, and community,” said the statement by deputy press secretary Shelby Wieman, according to The Denver Post.
On Monday, Gov. Jared Polis added that like other Coloradans, he hasn’t seen his mother in weeks—but safety is far more important. "I love my mom far too much to put her at risk by visiting a busy restaurant operating illegally, just to take a selfie with omelets and a mimosa," Polis said. He added, "Colorado — America — we are better than that." The governor’s executive order closing dine-in services for restaurants, cafes, and other eateries was issued in March and is in effect until May 26. On Friday, Polis said restaurants may reopen on May 26 depending on the COVID-19 situation come Memorial Day weekend. Following the incident, Polis said the decision will now be made on May 25.
As of Tuesday, Colorado has reported more than 19,500 cases of COVID-19 in the state and at least 980 people have died as a result of the coronavirus, The New York Times reported.