Andiamo in Warren receives liquor license, allows suspension in violation of Michigan’s COVID-19 restriction for indoor gatherings

WARREN, Mich. – The Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) has issued an emergency suspension of the liquor license and permits for Andiamo’s Warren restaurant on East 14 Mile Road, in violation of Michigan’s current COVID-19 restrictions.

According to the MLCC on Tuesday, the suspension was issued Dec. 10 for LV Management Inc. d / b / a Andiamo Italia.

The MLCC suspended the licensee Class C liquor license and permits for Sunday sales, dance entertainment, additional bar and catering in violation of allowing indoor gatherings and individual gatherings without having to wear a face mask.

The suspension will not affect Andiamo’s other locations.

Seven other companies also received an emergency shutdown last week. As of September, a total of 21 Michigan branches have suspended their liquor licenses.

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According to the suspension report, MLCC’s enforcement department investigated a complaint on Dec. 4 that the permit holder allowed the in-house collection. The complaint, according to investigators, concerned a wedding party that took place on November 29 with more than 75 attendees.

The report stated that the researchers went to the site on Dec. 4 to investigate and saw a seat map with 62 guests with table assignments. The report stated that although the tables were properly spaced, “the guests were not socially distant at the tables or mingled in the ballroom. None of the guests wore masks. “

In addition, there were about 40 people in the ballroom.

In November, Joe Vicari, who co-owns the Andiamo restaurant chain with co-owner Rosalie Vicari, wrote to Michigan restaurants urging them to defy Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and COVID-19 state health department shutdown orders and reopen.

At the time, there was a “three-week hiatus” in Michigan from November 18 to December 8. There was talk of whether Whitmer would extend the break. Ultimately, the break was extended by 12 days – through December 20.

“We must work together to combat this closure,” wrote Vicari. “Our industry cannot survive a new shutdown in the long term. We are stronger when we stand together and use our strength to fight back. “

Joe Vicari has since returned and clarified his intentions after first writing the letter to fellow restaurateurs saying he never wanted to defy the orders imposed and that his top priority is protecting everyone’s health and safety in the midst of the pandemic .

“This has been a terrible experience for all of us. The safety of our community is our top priority as we have all been affected and are all struggling through this pandemic – one deeper than the other. Our intention with our letter to Detroit restaurateurs was to come together to have an open conversation about how to preserve the restaurants in the Metro Detroit area while preserving the livelihoods of our employees and the health and safety of our community can maintain, ”reads a statement released December 4.

“We never have and will never defy imposed orders. Our goal is to find out what’s next. How do we find a solution that not only boosts the economies of our major cities, but also protects all Metro Detroiters, including our employees who are also family? “

A post-suspension hearing for the Andiamos in Warren is scheduled for Dec. 18 to determine whether the suspension should remain or whether other fines and penalties should be imposed.