Lounge Ordered Closed Over COVID-19 Violations: Hamden Police

HAMDEN, CT — Dixwell Social Lounge in Hamden has been temporarily shut down by local health officials for violating the state’s coronavirus regulations, according to police.

Police responded to Dixwell Social Lounge, 940 Dixwell Ave., at about 12:30 a.m. on Nov. 1 on the report of a “fight in progress,” according to Capt. Ronald Smith.

Smith said officers couldn’t get into the parking lot because of numerous parked vehicles and then saw about “500 people” at the scene. The investigating officer reported that he didn’t see anyone wearing a facial mask, according to Smith.

The officer also said there was no social distancing taking place. It took five officers nearly 30 minutes to clear the parking lot and police couldn’t find participants involved in the fight, according to Smith.

Police notified the Quinnipiack Valley Health District to report the public health law violations. QVHD officials subsequently cited Dixwell Social Lounge for the following violations:

- Failing to ensure that customers are wearing masks, except when dining.

- Failing to ensure customers remain 6 feet apart from each other.

- Permitting a large gathering inside establishment.

- Permitting a public health nuisance on your property.

QVHD issued a cease-and-desist order on Dixwell Social Lounge on Nov. 4. The establishment is closed indefinitely, according to Smith.