State Alcohol Regulators Sanction 300 Businesses For Failure To Enforce Public Health Regulations

Alcohol regulators in Massachusetts issued fines or warnings against 300 businesses last week for failing to enforce public health regulations intended to curb the spread of coronavirus in the state, Gov. Charlie Baker said at a press conference on Wednesday.

Baker added that another 900 businesses that received a visit from the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission over the past week were found to be in compliance with the state's safety guidelines.

"We're pleased that a vast majority of our restaurants and their customers are enjoying their experience outdoor dining, indoor dining safely and appropriately," he said.

Addressing a question about restaurant and bar owners who were frustrated at the limitations still in place on reopening in Massachusetts, Baker said that while the progress the state has made in reducing the spread of the virus is heartening, it was better to be safe than sorry.

"Anybody who watched what happened in the south and the midwest with respect to bars and nightclubs should understand why, as much as those organizations are distressed and suffering during this time, it was pretty clear they played a significant role in significant outbreaks of new cases," he said.