LINCOLN, Neb. (KMTV) — The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD) notified two local bars and the Railyard Commons area on Saturday that they aren't allowed to operate for 24 hours due to Directed Health Measure violations.
The health department says their violations “presented a risk to public health and contribute to the community spread of COVID-19.”
LLCHD ordered Iguanas Pub, Longwells and the Railyard to be closed from 5 p.m. Saturday to 5 p.m. Sunday.
A mask mandate in Lincoln went into effect on Monday and lasts through August 31. The mandate included in the DHM requires business owners to ensure their patrons age five and older wear face coverings whenever 6 ft of separation cannot be maintained with non-household members.
Additionally, the DHM requires businesses to limit parties of eight or less, to maintain at least 6 ft of distance between tables and to limit capacity.
The Health Director is able to order the closure of any business per Lincoln Municipal Code for the purpose of controlling communicable diseases.
LLCHD says information on the DHM and its requirements was available to the bars online and was reported in local media.
The health department also hand-delivered letters to local establishments to remind them of restrictions.
A large number of reports have been sent to LLCHD alleging that certain bars were in violation of the DHM.
After inspections conducted late Friday and early Saturday, significant violations were identified at the bars listed above and at the Railyard.
According to LLCHD Interim Health Director Pat Lopez, the bars were closed only after failed attempts to educate and work with the establishments.
“The mask mandate and the other restrictions were issued to slow the spread of the virus and to help prevent further restrictions like the closing of bars,” Lopez said. “We need these businesses to work with us to prevent the further spread of the virus and the need to issue more limitations on our business community.”
