Bars, restaurants face state shut down order for failing to enforce social distancing

iowa-capitol

Des Moines, Ia-   A state agency will take “additional steps” to enforce social distancing in Iowa bars and restaurants, and that includes shutting a business down for violations.

Radio Iowa’s O. Kay Henderson reports the announcement from the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division includes a warning from its director that businesses need to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 — and bars and restaurants that choose not to will face consequences.  Businesses are to provide six-feet of social distancing between customers and patrons cannot roam, but must be seated to be served.

A bar or restaurant that serves liquor faces a thousand dollar fine on a first offense — a business that just serves food will first get a warning. On a third offense, the state will revoke the operating license for the bar or restaurant.