NEW HAVEN, Conn. — A heated exchange took place between a New Haven restaurant owner and officials that showed up Monday morning to shut it down in the aftermath of alleged COVID-19 violations. And FOX61 was the only television station to capture the back and forth.
The City believes they have about one thousand reasons to shut the business down.
State Marshal Peter Criscuolo and New Haven Health Director, Maritza Bond attempted to hand deliver a cease-and-desist order to the owner of 50’s on Fitch, Joy Monsanto, who walked away from the two, saying "The attorney has to accept the paperwork. Get away from me! Get away from me!"
Monsanto is accused of 7 violations to state or local COVID-19 related statutes as a result of a large crowd gathered outside the restaurant Saturday night.
"When I arrived, there were at least approximately 1,000 people on the scene," said Maritza Bond, New Haven's Health Director. She said an executive order, issued by Gov. Ned Lamont (D-Connecticut) permits no more than 150 people to gather, in one place, at a social distance, outdoors.
She claims only alcoholic beverages were being served to patrons. And, she notes, that another executive order says establishments are not permitted to serve alcohol unless you also serve food.
"When I arrived on the scene and had to witness more than 98% of the individuals not wearing masks, not social distancing, it was disheartening, to say the least," Bond said.
"Out of respect for her (Bond), and the building department, I closed the establishment at 9:30," Monsanto said. "She was in my parking lot at 9 o’clock wanting people of color out of the public."
Maritza Bond said she didn’t even arrive until just before 10 pm and there were still at least 500 people in the parking lot at approximately 11:30 pm.
"She’s a racist," Monsanto said of Bond. "She’s a racist and it’s a shame because she’s a person of color." Bond is Hispanic.
While the Health Director was inside, posting closure signage, there was another encounter between the Criscuolo was attemting to enter the establishment through the front door.
"Don’t hit me with the door. It’s an assault," said Criscuolo, the Marshal.
"This is my establishment," Monsanto fired back.
"Don’t hit me with the door. I’ll cuff you," Criscuolo warned.
"I didn’t hit you," Monsanto responded. "I’m trying to open the door.
"You hit me with the door, I’ll cuff you," Criscuolo said.
The 50's on Fitch claims she did nothing wrong Saturday night, saying she was indeed serving food to the patrons. everything according to mandate. She said she did not require a permit for the outdoor gathering because it was held on private property, on which she was approved to hold this gathering by the owner.
"Oh, I’m fighting this case," she responded to New Haven Independent Publisher Paul Bass.
"I want to assure residents that my priority here is to ensure the health and safety of each of you," said Bond.
If Monsanto plans to appeal in person or on the telephone, she must do so at the state health department offices in Hartford within three business days.
50’s on Fitch closed
The Health Director has issued a cease and desist letter to the owners of the 50’s Lounge LLC, . Health Director Bond alleged numerous violations, including the following:
(1) Failing to ensure that all attendees at a large outdoor public gathering at your establishment remained at least six feet apart, failing to ensure that said attendees were wearing masks except when dining, failing to demarcate six feet of spacing in the area of gathering;
(2) Permitting the sale of alcohol without the sale of food;
(3) Outdoor dining in excess of seating capacity;
(4) Permitting a public health nuisance on your property;
(5) Operating in excess of 50% capacity on an outside deck;
(6) Operating in violation of Connecticut General Statutes 19-13-B42 and Title III, Chapter 14 of the New Haven Code of General Ordinances;
(7) Creating a condition specifically declared to be a public nuisance.
The State Department of Liquor Control will also be notified of the alleged violations.