The line at Harper's Restaurant and Brewpub on June 8 following Michigan's reopening of bars and restaurants at 50% capacity.
The Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) has ordered a show cause hearing on Harper’s Restaurant and Brewpub in East Lansing following over 180 cases of COVID-19 were linked to the establishment, according to the order.
The hearing, set to take place July 23 at 1 p.m. calls on the establishment to show cause to the status of its licenses, permits and permissions under the Liquor Control Code and the Commission’s administrative rules.
The owners will be asked to answer questions regarding the steps they took — or failed to take — in complying with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's executive order outlining procedures to be followed in reopening restaurants and businesses, according to the order. They will likewise need to demonstrate that their plan for reopening will protect customers and employees from another outbreak.
The order cites “concerning activity inside the establishment” including reports with photographs and videos showing large crowds failing to adhere to social distancing and mask-wearing guidelines while congregating on the dance floor.
Harbrinel Inc. — conducting business as Harper’s — has been licensed by the Commission since February 1997 and currently holds a Class C license and a Brewpub license, according to the order.
According to the MLCC, a Class C license allows an establishment to sell beer, wine, spirits and mixed drinks for consumption on their premises. A Brewpub license is issued in conjunction with a Class C license and authorizes the establishment to brew up to 18,000 barrels of beer per calendar year.
The hearing will be available for public viewing on the commission YouTube page. Public comments may be submitted via email to MLCCHearingsAppeals@michigan.gov.
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