Happy Mother’s Day from C& C in Castle Rock, where the owner said this is almost double a normal Mother’s Day. pic.twitter.com/cPSzjmAfAg
— Nick Puckett (@nick__puckett) May 10, 2020
This Sunday, a restaurant in Castle Rock, Colorado was stuffed to the gills with customers despite the public health order limiting businesses to takeout and delivery services to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. C&C Coffee and Kitchen experienced its first Mother's Day rush since the pandemic began.
April Arellano, the owner of the restaurant, reportedly stated that they would be forced out of business if she didn't "do something." Long lines trailed the building; neither social distancing nor face masks appeared to be enforced.
"It is unbelievable," said a resident who went to collect a pickup order and left without paying after seeing the crowds.
"I wasn't even going to eat the food even if I had gotten it," he said. "I walked in, took the picture, and turned right around."
Colorado's safer-at-home mandate does not require its residents to stay home, and non-essential businesses may continue to operate with certain restrictions in order to prevent the illness from spreading. Gov. Jared Polis' office offered a statement regarding C&C Coffe and Kitchen.
"These restaurants are not only breaking the law, they are endangering the lives of their staff, customers, and community," said deputy press secretary Shelby Wieman.
According to a health official who spoke to the Denver Post, the violation could result in a $1,000 fine or up to a year behind bars. C&C Coffee and Kitchen could have its business license revoked.
