Two Georgia Avenue businesses in downtown Silver Spring have been shut down for violating COVID-19 restrictions, county officials announced.
The Palisades Lounge at 8211 Georgia Ave. was cited and closed for not maintaining appropriate physical distancing of customers. In addition, the lounge was cited for a liquor violation.
Nearby, the Cabana Hookah Lounge at 8227 Georgia Ave. also was closed. Hookah lounges are not permitted to operate as part of the county’s Phase 2 reopening.
In recent weeks, the county has had “business ambassadors” and inspectors visiting businesses to provide information on what must be done to comply with the restrictions on reopening.
The Palisades has been visited several times by both business ambassadors and inspectors, officials said.
“The overwhelming majority of our businesses are open, following rules intended to keep everyone safe and enthusiastic about being able to serve their customers and clients once again,” said County Executive Marc Elrich as part of the announcement. “I will reiterate what I’ve said before and about which I have been very clear: Businesses will stay open provided they follow the public health guidelines. If they choose to ignore public health guidance, we will shut them down.”
Photo by David Lay