Earlier this week, we told you about how a judge ruled that the City of Burbank, California could cut the electricity to the Tinhorn Flats Saloon & Grill for refusing to adhere to the county’s lockdown order.
The restaurant responded by vowing to remain open with generators.
Since then the city went back to court to get authorization to padlocks the doors.
Burbank’s Mayor Bob Frutos says the restaurant must be punished for disobeying their orders even though restaurants are being allowed to reopen. He says:
“while other Burbank businesses have complied and been a part of our communities’ solution, Tin Horn Flats has refused to do their part. The public assumption is that Tin Horn Flats believes they are above the law... We asked Tin Horn Flats to work with us and they have refused. We were left with no choice but to move forward, revoking their ability to do business in Burbank. If we did nothing, the perception would be that we condone their activities, and we don’t.”
Yesterday, the owner cut through the padlocked doors and said they will continue operating.
Co-owner Baret Lepejian told Fox Business that they decided to make the establishment an “autonomous zone” and they will hire guards to watch the place around the clock.
Lepejian says:
“I’m not going to close. I’m just not. Their whole basis is on illegal and unconstitutional mandates and rules. I really feel a sense of responsibility now, not just to my business, not just to my children, but for people who are supporting me. This has really become an amazing cause at this point and it’s not a joke anymore.”
They posted to instragram a picture yesterday of the cut lock, writing “lock is off..we open at 12 noon. We will NOT comply with illegal and unconstitutional rules and mandates. Happy St. Patrick's Day!!”