Restraining Order Dismissed For Chehalis Restaurant
CHEHALIS, Wash. — A Thurston County Judge on Tuesday dismissed a restraining order filed against Spiffy’s Restaurant and Bakery in Chehalis for not abiding by Governor Jay Inslee’s COVID orders.
Spiffy’s posted an update on their Facebook page.
We wanted to update you all from our hearing today. Our restraining order was dismissed, because we have not reopened…
Posted by Spiffy’s Restaurant and Bakery on Tuesday, January 19, 2021
Spiffy’s has been fined at least $145,000 for serving customers indoors. The judge had previously upheld a restraining order against the restaurant after the restaurant was served with legal papers in December.
The case is heard by a judge from Thurston County because of a conflict of interest. Spiffy’s owner Ron Samuelson’s son is a district court judge in Lewis County. He could face contempt of court if Spiffy’s stays open. A voicemail message on January 6th said the restaurant would be “closed for the next couple days due to the court date”.
The attorney for Spiffy’s told the judge that employees signed off on wanting to continue to work. He also stated that patrons acknowledged the restaurant is extra clean; cleaner than Costco and Walmart.
Governor Inslee has said that businesses caught violating the rules can be fined up per day or violation. The Washington Labor and Industry Board has threatened criminal action if the violations continue.