SLO cafe fined twice for serving customers against COVID stay-at-home order
Sally Loo’s Wholesome Cafe in San Luis Obispo has been cited for multiple violations and issued fines for breaching COVID-19 stay-at-home orders.
Sally Loo’s, located at 1804 Osos St. near the SLO train station, was cited by the city of San Luis Obispo on Dec. 18 with a $1,000 fine for outdoor service using “plates, cups and silverware.”
“No indoor dining was observed at this time of inspection,” said Tyler Corey, a SLO principal planner, in an email on Monday. “A copy of the citation was sent to the property owner to inform them that their tenant was in violation.”
Then, a follow-up inspection was conducted on Dec. 29, and “code enforcement staff observed indoor dining and outdoor table service,” Corey said.
The business owner and property owner were each issued a citation of $1,000, Corey said.
Under California’s stay-at-home order in effect for the Southern California region that includes SLO County, restaurants are allowed to offer curbside pickup, takeout or delivery services only — not indoor or outdoor dining.
Under the county’s guidance, customers may order food or drinks and then use public spaces such as parklets after they get their meals.
“Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the city’s top priority has been the health and safety of our community,” Michael Codron, the city’s community development director, told The Tribune in an email. “With the city and county of San Luis Obispo currently in the state’s regional stay-at-home order, the city will continue to educate community members and businesses regarding the order and take necessary enforcement action as appropriate.”
More than 11,000 COVID-19 infections have occurred in SLO County since the pandemic hit, with more than 80 deaths, as public health officials have grappled with allowing businesses to operate while keeping people safe.
SLO plans to continue business COVID enforcement
Since the violations are part of an active code enforcement case, follow-up inspections will be completed proactively, according to Corey.
Sally Loo’s ownership and manager have not responded to multiple requests by The Tribune for comment.
A social media post by the business showed a photo of a city citation posted to its window, with the accompanying graphic from Sally Loo’s stating: “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness at its finest. Thank you for the violations, city of SLO.”
A visit by The Tribune to Sally Loo’s on New Year’s Eve showed multiple people sitting and eating or drinking both inside and outside the business, while customers ordered from a takeout window. It’s unclear if any violations were occurring at that time, however, which would need to be vetted officially by a city enforcement officer.
Besides Sally Loo’s, six other SLO businesses have received citations and fines for violating COVID-19 guidelines.
Kennedy Club Fitness and Club 24 gyms each received multiple citations.
McLintocks and Buffalo Pub and Grill also have received citations.
Flour House and Louisa’s Place also each received a $1,000 citation, according to the city.
How SLO has helped local businesses
City officials say the vast majority of SLO businesses are in compliance.
“The fastest way for all businesses to reopen is by following public health guidance,” Codron said. “We are grateful for their efforts to keep our community safe and help us recover quickly.”
SLO educates and informs businesses about ongoing developments through direct contacts, email updates and social media, as well as through partnerships with local business organizations, Codron added.
“The city recognizes the significant impact the pandemic has had on our business community and has made substantial investments in the local economy including allocating $750,000 toward small-business grants, over $1 million in downtown improvements like parklets and $200,000 for the Buy Local Bonus program, which has so far generated at $125,000 in local economic impact,” Codron said.
The city has created a “Business & Community Hotline” at 805-783-7835 for businesses to receive guidance on compliance and for community members to share concerns. More information can be found at slocity.org/covid19.
This story was originally published January 4, 2021 at 1:12 PM.
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