Allegheny, Westmoreland bars and restaurants hit with covid mitigation violations

Nearly 20 bars and restaurants in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties received violations from the state police last month for violating pandemic-related mitigation measures, records show.

For more than a year, bars and restaurants have faced some degree of restriction – measures meant to slow the spread of covid-19.

Many of those restrictions were loosened early this month, with prohibitions on bar seating and alcohol sales sans food being lifted along with the 11 p.m. alcohol curfew. Establishments that complete an online self-certification process can operate at 75% capacity; otherwise, the limit is 50%.

Despite the promise of loosened restrictions offered by state officials in early March, nine Allegheny County establishments and 10 in Westmoreland County were slapped with notices of violation from the state Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement in March.

Establishments in Allegheny County were:

The Apple Inn in Dormont, Clancy’s Pub in Dravosburg, Hop’s Place in Marhsall-Shadeland, Mansour Pub in Brookline, Mike’s New Moon Saloon in West Deer, Mike’s Wife’s Bar and Grill in Oakmont, the Fort Pitt Inn in Oakdale, Southbound Bar and Grill in Elizabeth and Just One More Saloon in Carrick.

In Westmoreland County:

Hugo’s Taproom in Greensburg, Fat Daddy’s Place in Ligonier, Oklahoma Inn in Oklahoma, Jigger’s in Export, Salina Inn in Salina,The Rialto in Greensburg, Quinn Brewing in North Huntingdon, Kingston Veterans and Sportsmens Club in Latrobe, The Edge in Export, and Frosty Mugs Saloon in Belle Vernon.

Infractions ranged from curfew violations, not requiring masks of patrons and employees, failure to adhere to social distancing guidelines, allowing bar service and allowing alcohol sales without a food purchase.