County inspects 40 businesses over Labor Day weekend for coronavirus-related violations

DAYTON — While people were enjoying visiting local businesses over the holiday weekend, Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery County was making sure those businesses were following coronavirus rules in place.

“We went to 40 different establishments to try and determine what the status is at the those locations,” said Dan Suffoletto, spokesman for Public Health. “What we do is walk in there like a regular customer, observe what we want to observe and at that we contact manager on duty and go over with that person what we may have found.”

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Suffoletto said the county is using additional staff to help make the secret visits. One of those places that was visited by the health department was the first weekend of “Out on Fifth” in the Oregon District.

The Oregon District is a designated outdoor refreshment area, or DORA, and many of the businesses expanded patio seating into the street this past weekend.

“The DORA has gone really well,” said Roost Modern Italian Owner Dana Downs. “Haven’t had anybody get out of hand which was a major concern.”

Suffoletto said of the 40 places inspected over the weekend, no notices of violation were issued, however the health department did see areas that need improvement.

“There were a few areas particularly with lines, where we would have liked to see more spacing in those lines, so we are contacting the establishments to make sure that they are mindful of any lines that may develop,” Suffoletto said.

The health department said any businesses found to be violating the health order on alcohol sales after 10 p.m. will be referred to the liquor control commission.

Cox Media Group