LA Sheriff's Deputies Hold Maskless Party In Hollywood: Reports

HOLLYWOOD, CA — The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department was investigating a report that some deputies and first responders threw a raucous, mask-optional party Friday at a popular saloon in Hollywood, officials said Saturday.

"It was not an official event," Deputy Lillian Peck of the Sheriff's Information Bureau told City News Service. "We're looking into it further. I think we're looking to put something (a news release) together."

According to various reports by Knock.LA and KCRW reporter Cerise Castle, the event occurred sometime Friday at the Sassafras Saloon, on 1233 Vine St., an 80-year-old Southern- themed bar with live music played from a second-floor balcony.

Bars have been closed by order of Gov. Gavin Newsom since late June as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The website KnockLA posted a video that allegedly showed people arriving for "the LASD party" and being asked if they had a temperature before they were admitted. Footage from later in the night appeared to show a jam-packed bar with music and dancing, with few attendees wearing masks.

BREAKING: @LASheriffDept is having a party at @SassafrasHW on Vine in Hollywood. Acting on a tip, I went to the scene and captured photos of deputies drinking on the street, littering, and no one had on a mask. Bars have been closed under guidance from Gov. Newsom since 7/13 https://t.co/UdEGkJF0gl
— Cerise Castle (@cerisecastle) August 1, 2020

Los Angeles County's current coronavirus health order prohibits "gatherings of people who are not part of a single household or living unit." It also required bars, nightclubs and other higher-risk businesses to close.

Peck said she had no other immediate information.

City News Service contributed to this report.

Full coronavirus coverage: Coronavirus In California: What To Know