Norwalk Bar Owner Accused Of Breaking Coronavirus Shutdown Orders

NORWALK, CT — The owner of Norwalk's Dry Dock Bar & Grille on Main Street was issued a misdemeanor summons this month after police said he allowed patrons inside the establishment to eat and drink during the coronavirus (COVID-19) shutdown.

Donald Mastronardi, 43, of New Canaan was issued a misdemeanor summons for Violation of a Public Health Emergency on April 24. In March, Gov. Ned Lamont ordered Connecticut's bars and restaurants to close until further notice in an effort to slow the spread of the virus.

The summons marks the city's first such citation issued to a local bar/restaurant during the coronavirus shutdown, Norwalk Police Lt. Jared Zwickler told Patch. (Don't miss local and statewide news about coronavirus developments and precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.)

Earlier this month, Norwalk police had received complaints that the Dry Dock was allowing people inside to eat and drink in violation of the order.

"The order allows restaurants to sell alcohol with a take out order of food, but states the alcohol and food are for off-premises consumption," Zwickler told Patch. "When officers arrived they found a patron drinking at the bar. The bartender and restaurant owner told officers they had been allowing patrons to drink at the bar."

The Dry Dock's website says it is open but currently only offering take-out from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Mastronardi is scheduled to appear in court on June 17.