Jon Johnson File Photo/Gila Herald: After having its liquor license suspended for failing to follow COVID-19 protocols, Sarah’s Bull Pen reported that it is back in business.
By Jon Johnson
SAFFORD – Nearly one week after having its liquor license suspended for failing to abide by COVID-19 protocols, Sarah’s Bull Pen at 912 W. Thatcher Blvd. is back in business.
On Friday, the bar posted to social media as they joyously took down the notice regarding the suspension from its doors. It also advised that it still needs to post some social distancing guidelines and other housekeeping but it plans on reopening Saturday at 5 p.m. with a 10 p.m. curfew.
According to the notice of suspension, Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control detectives observed more than 50 patrons walking freely about the establishment on March 5 “standing, congregating, and mingling around tables and the bar area while failing to maintain at least six feet of space between each other to properly social distance”, which violates Ducey’s August 2020 Executive Order. Additionally, the report states all three pool tables were in use with no social distancing, and patrons were allowed to enter the bar without wearing face masks and were not escorted to tables as required by the executive order. Additionally, none of the three bartenders were wearing face masks either, which is also required in the executive order. The suspension was then made effective Saturday, March 6.
Sarah’s Bull Pen, along with all other bars that wished to reopen after the governor’s COVID-19 shutdown, previously electronically signed an attestation that it would comply with ADHS COVID-19 mitigation requirements to be able to reopen.
The suspension was listed as being in place until the department decided to take other action or the “licensee can demonstrate to the department’s satisfaction that it is in compliance and will remain in compliance with (the) executive order and ADHS COVID-19 mitigation requirements, as well as the department statutes and rules referenced in this order. A hearing in this matter shall be promptly instituted and determined.”
Graham County was recently listed as the county with the lowest COVID-19 test percent positivity for all of Arizona at less than one percent.
