Restraining order upheld in court against Spiffy’s Restaurant in Chehalis

The restraining order against Spiffy’s Restaurant in Chehalis for offering indoor dining has been upheld after a hearing in Lewis County Superior Court on Tuesday. The order says the restaurant must halt indoor dining in accordance with the governor’s restrictions, but it does not shut them down entirely.

At a court hearing last week, Judge Chris Lanese warned the owner of Spiffy’s that he is violating emergency coronavirus rules and could be sent to jail. The judge gave Spiffy’s one week — until Jan. 5 — before deciding whether the restraining order is enforceable.

“Failure to [comply] may result in a order or finding of contempt, which can result in fines or penalties up to $2,000 per day, could include jail time, could include the bringing of charges for a gross misdemeanor, amid other consequences,” Judge Lanese said previously.

The temporary restraining order’s terms remained in full effect until the Jan. 5 decision.

Spiffy’s has previously defied the governor’s orders, and it is unclear at this time if they’ll continue to serve diners inside following the ruling.

The current answering machine message at the restaurant says, “… we’re going to be closed for the next couple of days due to the court date. We’ll be back on here to let you know what’s going on.”

The owner already faces more than $100,000 in fines and could face time in prison if the court order is ignored. There will be another hearing on Jan. 19.

Gov. Inslee extended the temporary closure of indoor dining and gatherings in Washington to Jan. 11, 2021, and announced a new reopening plan for the state on Jan. 5. For now, takeout service at restaurants is permitted, as is outdoor dining with restrictions to include adequate spacing, enhanced cleaning, and capacity limits.

Gold Bar diner latest to defy COVID restrictions and open indoor dining

The KIRO Radio Newsdesk contributed to this report.

Follow @http://twitter.com/Mynorthwest