Riley County Local Health Officer Julie Gibbs issued a Notice to Close Immediately to O’Malley’s Alley, located at 1210 Moro Street, and O'Malley's, located at 1208 Moro Street, in Aggieville, Manhattan. An officer from the Riley County Police Department (RCPD) served the order to owner William Porter and placards were placed on the doors of the establishments.
As the Local Health Officer appointed by the Board of Health, Gibbs is authorized to prohibit public gatherings and take other measures necessary for the control of any and all infectious or contagious diseases. Pursuant to K.S.A. 65-129b, any sheriff, deputy sheriff or other law enforcement officer of the state or any political subdivision within Riley County, Kansas is ordered to assist in the execution or enforcement of Local Health Orders.This is the first Notice to Close Immediately that has been issued in Riley County during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Officials reported in a news release that Riley County residents reported multiple complaints about O’Malley’s and O’Malley’s Alley and the complaints were confirmed by RCPD officers as well as the Local Health Officer. Efforts to achieve voluntary compliance were unsuccessful.O’Malley’s and O’Malley’s Alley were observed on Friday, August 21 to be in violation of section 2, B#4 Local Health Order 18 which states:
- All restaurants and bars are limited to seated areas only. This includes patios.
- Service or consumption of food or drinks while standing at a counter/bar or in standing-only areas is prohibited.
- Consumption of food and beverages shall only take place at a counter or table via seated service.
O’Malley’s and O’Malley’s Alley were also observed to be in violation of section 2, A#1 of Order 18 which states:
- All individuals present within the city limits of Manhattan must comply with the local mask ordinance.
The Notice to Close Immediately will remain in effect until such time as O’Malley’s and O’Malley’s Alley can comply with Order 18 or any subsequent order.