Defiant Napa restaurant, Fumé Bistro, offers in-person dining, calls health order 'unjust'
Fumé Bistro and Bar has not been hiding the fact that they have been welcoming guests in-person, even after the county went into the state stay-at-home order on Dec. 18.
NAPA, Calif. (KGO) -- A restaurant in Napa has been defying California's stay-at-home order, offering in person dining in their enclosed patio.
With string lighting and heat lamps powered up, Fumé Bistro and Bar has not been hiding the fact that they have been welcoming guests in-person, even after the county went into the state stay-at-home order on Dec. 18.
RELATED: East Bay restaurant defies outdoor dining ban, pays thousands in fines to help employees
The owner of the restaurant, Terry Letson, spoke to ABC7 in May when he defied the indoor dining ban back then.
He did not want to do an interview for this story but gave a statement, reading in part:
"Bottom line, the closure of on-premises dining is uncalled for, unjust and will bankrupt an industry that has needlessly taken an unprecedented hit...Fumé Bistro will remain open for on-premises dining just as other 'essential' businesses in our community are staying open."
VIDEO: CA restaurant owner claims to find 'loophole' to remain open
On New Year's Day, several tables were full with maskless customers.
"I'm still working full time. I'm willing to spend my money to help people out continue their trade and their job," said a customer who only identified himself as Phillip.
He said he came to dine in-person to support the restaurant employees.
"I'm willing to risk possibly getting it to help other people survive," he said.
RELATED: Economic chain of pain as Solano, Napa county businesses ask Newsom for permission to reopen
Napa County has had 5,741 positive COVID-19 cases. 2,400 of them were in the past month.
The county's website currently lists their ICU capacity at 0 percent.
"I feel the numbers are inflated. There's no evidence I've seen that shows the numbers are high due to outdoor dining. To me its worth the risk," said Phillip.
Scott Sedgley, Mayor of the City of Napa, called the restaurant's decision to stay open "unfortunate."
A Napa County spokesperson tells ABC7 the City of Napa and the County are aware that the restaurant has been serving customers in person. They said they have referred the complaints to the state coronavirus enforcement taskforce as well as the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
If you have a question or comment about the coronavirus pandemic, submit yours via the form below or here.
Get the latest news, information and videos about the novel coronavirus pandemic here
RELATED STORIES & VIDEOS:
- Map: CA counties that can, can't reopen under new rules
- COVID-19 risk calculator: The safest and most dangerous things to do this holiday season
- Updated number of COVID-19 deaths, cases in Bay Area
- COVID-19 Help: Comprehensive list of resources, information
- California EDD: The most commonly asked questions we get about unemployment and PUA
- Health experts urge flu shots in effort to avoid 'twindemic'
- How to tell the difference between seasonal allergies and coronavirus symptoms
- Here's which mask is better to protect from COVID-19
- First COVID-19 vaccine volunteers in US describe experience as Bay Area launches vaccine trials
- From salons to dinner parties: Experts rate the risk of 12 activities
- Coronavirus origin: Where did COVID-19 come from?
- What is a COVID-19 genetic, antigen and antibody test?
- What will it take to get a COVID-19 vaccine and how will it be made?
- What does COVID-19 do to your body and why does it spread so easily?
- Here's how shelter in place, stay at home orders can slow spread of COVID-19
- Coronavirus Timeline: Tracking major moments of COVID-19 pandemic in San Francisco Bay Area
- COVID-19 Diaries: Personal stories of Bay Area residents during novel coronavirus pandemic
- Coronavirus Doctor's Note: Dr. Alok Patel gives his insight into COVID-19 pandemic
