OLCC suspends Canby restaurant’s liquor license over COVID-19 rule violations

CANBY, Ore. (AP) — Route 99 Roadhouse south of Portland in Canby has had its liquor license suspended for “not following public health social distancing and face covering requirements," according to the Oregon Liquor Control Commission.

The Oregonian/OregonLive reports the commission investigated complaints that customers were allowed to dine indoors.

Commission officials say enforcement staff first spoke with Route 99′s licensee in its “education first” approach, then visited in person after receiving complaints that the bar and restaurant was not following public health requirements to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Indoor dining is currently prohibited in Clackamas County, currently one of Oregon’s “extreme risk” counties for COVID-19 spread.

“Upon arriving at the business for an in person inspection, OLCC compliance staff observed that Route 99′s parking lot was close to full and could see patrons inside the business socializing without masks,” the release reads. “After entering Route 99′s dining area, OLCC staff observed a large group of customers, many consuming food and drinks in the bar; all of the customers and employees were socializing without masks.”

Route 99′s license was suspended on Tuesday. On Wednesday, the restaurant said on Facebook it would be “closed for a few weeks” and that renovations would be done in that time.

Route 99′s licensees of record are Tyson Bafford and Rachelle George. The licensees are entitled to an administrative hearing to challenge the OLCC’s actions. The restaurant did not immediately return a message seeking comment.