CT Fines Sports Bar $10K In Coronavirus Crackdown

CONNECTICUT — The owners of a Bridgeport sports bar has been fined $10,000 for violating the state's coronavirus gathering size restrictions.

Gov. Ned Lamont announced Friday that the Connecticut Department of Public Health had levied the penalty against Mango Z Sports Bar at 456 Connecticut Avenue in Bridgeport.

The violation stems from an incident that occurred at Mango Z in the early morning hours of Dec. 20, in which Bridgeport police were called to the bar after reports of shots fired, according to a news release from Lamont's office.

"While the overwhelming number of businesses in Connecticut have done a great job partnering with the state and complying with the necessary protocols to prevent the spread of this virus, a small number still think the rules don't apply to them, and these enforcement actions are necessary for those who put the health and safety of their customers and staff at risk," Lamont said.

DPH had determined that more than 25 people were inside the restaurant that night in violation of the gathering size restrictions, according to the release. Officials also said the eatery was operating past the mandatory 10:00 p.m. closing time that is currently in effect.

"The governor's public health executive orders were put into place to protect the citizens of Connecticut and hinder the spread of COVID-19," Acting Public Health Commissioner Dr. Deidre Gifford said. "The Department of Public Health takes enforcement of those orders very seriously and will issue fines for violations that endanger the public health, as we have in this case."

Additionally, the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection claims that Mango Z did not have an active liquor permit at the time of the incident. Its most recent permit expired Aug. 9, according to state officials. Serving liquor without an active permit is a criminal offense.

DPH has referred the matter to the State's Attorney for Bridgeport to determine a possible violation of liquor control laws.

"It’s imperative that business owners understand that there is accountability that goes hand in hand with being responsible for the well-being and safety of their patrons in a pandemic environment," Bridgeport Acting Chief of Police Rebeca Garcia said. "In this case, it appears that safeguards were not in place, which may have put the public at risk."

See also: These 5 CT Laws Can Change Your Life Jan. 1

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