On Friday Gov. Edwards announced that a state court has issued a temporary restraining order against Firehouse BBQ restaurant in Denham Springs, for its excessive non-compliance of his Phase 2 mitigation measures aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19. The order prohibits the restaurant from operating in violation of an emergency order suspending their permit for violations of the Governor’s mask mandate.
Edwards said their defiance of the order by this establishment is extremely reckless and irresponsible. He also said it was his hope that the action today would not be necessary, but were left with no choice as the owner insisted on being non-compliant thus jeopardizing the safety of the employees and customers.
LDH and the State Fire Marshal received complaints on July 21 and July 22 indicating that the restaurant had posted notices on its front door and on social media saying it was not requiring the wearing of masks or face coverings by employees or customers. An LDH inspection on July 27 confirmed the presence of the described front door sign and that Firehouse BBQ was not requiring employees or customers to wear masks or face coverings. Upon completion of the inspection and receipt of the inspection report, the owner of Firehouse BBQ made it clear the restaurant would not be complying with the Governor’s proclamations.
