Worcester Restaurant Caught Defying Coronavirus Dine-In Ban: PD

WORCESTER, MA — Worcester police are reminding all restaurants and bars in the city about Gov. Charlie Baker's coronavirus-related dine-in ban after a Shrewsbury Street eatery was caught defying it.

According to police, an officer with the alcohol enforcement unit witnessed people eating and drinking at the Vintage Grille on Wednesday. The officer is pursuing criminal and administrative charges for the violation, police said.

"As always our main measure of success is compliance," Worcester Chief Steven Sargent said in a news release. "We are asking for cooperation from business owners and customers as we continue to work together to provide a comprehensive COVID-19 response."

Baker's dine-in ban went into effect on Tuesday and lasts until April 7. It's meant to keep people apart as COVID-19 spreads across the state. During the ban, bars and restaurants can either serve takeout or send food out for delivery. Worcester police said alcohol compliance officers will be out enforcing Baker's ban for the duration.