Kentucky coffee shop loses license over defying coronavirus order

The Kentucky Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) on Wednesday issued an emergency license suspension for a coffee shop after it refused to close down for violating COVID-19 restrictions.

Lexington coffee shop Brewed was ordered to close on Tuesday, but opened on Wednesday anyway, serving dozens of customers. Owner Andrew Cooperrider said on Tuesday that he would not stop indoor service the Lexington Herald Leader reported.

Cooperrider is an official in the Kentucky Libertarian Party and posted on his Facebook page that he refused to comply with new restrictions ordered by Gov. Andy Beshear (D) last week.

Beshear issued sweeping new restrictions last week saying, “inaction is deadly." His new restrictions shut down in-person learning, prohibited indoor service at restaurants and bars, and limited the capacity of gyms, weddings and offices.

"Pretending this virus isn't real is not an option," said Beshear. "It's time to do what it takes to finish this fight."

Beshear stated that most restaurants and bars have complied with the order, which went into effect on Nov. 20. For the businesses that defy the orders, Beshear said they could lose their alcohol licenses and be fined up to $100 by the health department.

Customers reportedly c... (Read more)

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