The Republic Garden in downtown Silver Spring has been temporarily shut down by order of the Department of Health and Human Services, officials announced.
The restaurant/lounge at 8402 Georgia Ave. was given a 30-day closure notice on Sunday, July 26 for not maintaining the minimum of six feet for social distancing.
The establishment had previously had its license suspended on July 12 for the same offense.
The business was required to submit a written plan detailing how the requirements of Executive Order 082-20 would be met. HHS approved the plan and Republic reopened a few days later.
However, officials said, “At the time of the inspector’s visit on Sunday, the written plan to ensure adequate physical distancing submitted by The Republic Garden to reinstate its license was observed to be in violation.”
The department continues to send representatives and inspectors to county businesses to inform them about, and ensure compliance with, COVID-19 requirements for continuing to operate during the pandemic.
Most recently, in addition to the action taken against The Republic Garden, the department announced $500 fines on a business in the Pike & Rose development and one in Germantown, as well as an action against an Olney business.
Photo by David Lay