ABC conducts COVID-19 compliance checks at restaurants and bars

LOS ANGELES - A team from Alcoholic Beverage Control, ABC, visited restaurants and bars in Los Angeles County to make sure the businesses are in compliance with COVID-19 state guidelines.

As part of the compliance check, ABC enforcement officers looked for staff wearing masks, physical distancing, and made sure there was no indoor dining offered at establishments.

Rush Street restaurant was one of the establishments that passed the test.

"It's a sigh of relief because it's been a long challenging road right now, and initially a lot of back and forth information that we had to decipher and it's great when you have the ABC show up like this," said Brian Mckeaney, the co-owner of Rush Street.

Mckeaney said it has been challenging as a restaurant owner.

"It's really been an interesting kind of transformation. Rush street was the big, loud, and fun place so we've had to change it," said Mckeaney.

The enforcement officers went to a number of businesses Friday evening for the compliance checks, and issued pamphlets to owners and managers with the latest guidelines.

"I would expect them [ABC] to and there's no surprise there. We're licensed. We have a responsibility. It comes with the territory. We are responsible owners. We take it seriously," said Kevin Kearns, the owner of "The Auld Fella," which also passed inspection.

Kearns said the business would not be able to survive without the option of outdoor dining.

"Take out and delivery, it has massive limitations. It has been challenging, but we are committed," said Kearns.

Patrons at the restaurants were surprised, but said they were glad to see the enforcement efforts.

"I think it's a great thing that they're going around making sure everyone's being compliant, especially in this day and age, you have to make sure everyone is being careful. I just hope there aren't like sting operations though or trying to set people up. People are struggling," said Brent Lowe, a restaurant patron.

Sherri Sneed also believed it was a good idea to have ABC officers enforcing the rules.

"I get frustrated and disappointed when I see people who aren't complying so we gotta do what we gotta do," she said.

She was dining at Janga by Derrick's in Culver City.

"They all wear shields and masks and are very great about wiping the tables down, and keeping Covid protocol proper," Sneed said.

Recent statistics show ABC has only issued 51 citations from July 1 to August 17.

The data shows ABC had 5,992 visits in Los Angeles County, and issued 20 citations. In Orange County, there were 2,283 visits and 14 citations. In Riverside County, there were 1,002 visits with 11 citations, and in Ventura County, there were 1,849 visits with 2 citations.