North Providence restaurant ordered by court to follow state COVID-19 health and safety guidelines after repeated violations

After being ordered to close, Centredale Revival agrees to comply with state health and safety regulations and will be allowed to reopen

 

 

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Attorney General Peter F. Neronha and Department of Health Director Dr. Nicole Alexander Scott announced that a North Providence restaurant has been ordered by the Rhode Island Superior Court to follow state COVID-19 health and safety guidelines after commencing legal action earlier today.

 

As alleged in court documents, the Centredale Revival restaurant repeatedly violated state COVID-19 guidelines by permitting patrons without masks, ignored social distancing requirements, and has remained open after specified closing times.

 

“We all know what we need to do to stop the spread of COVID-19, starting with following the guidelines from the Department of Health,” said Attorney General Neronha. “The overwhelming majority of businesses in the State have done the right thing, often at great personal and financial cost, and have complied with DOH guidelines. It is unfortunate, therefore, when certain businesses repeatedly refuse to comply with those guidelines. Those businesses seriously jeopardize the health and safety of Rhode Island communities and undermine our collective effort to beat this pandemic.”

 

The Department of Health (DOH) initially issued Notices of Violation to the restaurant in December, after state inspectors witnessed violations of health and safety guidelines. Following the violations, the DOH ordered the restaurant to be closed on December 28, 2020.

 

The restaurant was allowed to reopen on December 31 after agreeing to comply with health and safety guidelines. Shortly thereafter, an inspector witnessed multiple violations, including not requiring customers to wear masks, allowing the bar area to be open, and allowing customers to mingle throughout the space. The DOH ordered the restaurant to be closed again on January 14, 2021; however, the restaurant has remained in operation.

 

At today’s hearing in Providence County Superior Court before Judge Melissa Darigan, the court granted the State’s Motion for Temporary Restraining Order, preventing the restaurant from operating until it complies with the DOH’s COVID-19 orders.

 

Following the issuance of this Order, the restaurant’s owner met with the Department of Health and agreed to comply with all DOH directives. As a result of that representation, and the DOH’s confirmation of the restaurant’s compliance, the restaurant has been allowed to reopen.

 

Read the State’s court filings: