Anchorage seeks court contempt hearing against defiant diner
Posted Aug 10, 2020 8:00 am.
Last Updated Aug 10, 2020 8:14 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The Municipality of Anchorage has requested a contempt of court hearing after a restaurant defied a judge’s ruling to halt indoor dining service in compliance with a city order meant to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
The motion filed Saturday requests contempt sanctions against Kriner’s Diner and its owners, The Anchorage Daily News reported.
City attorneys said they do not the defendants jailed, but are trying to make sure the restaurant stops indoor dining service to protect the health of Anchorage residents.
The motion also accuses the restaurant’s attorney, Blake Quackenbush, of encouraging and participating in the violation, arguing the lawyer should be sanctioned.
Mayor Ethan Berkowitz issued an emergency order temporarily prohibiting indoor dining at restaurants and breweries as the number of confirmed cases increased.
Kriner’s Diner continued dine-in service after the order went into effect last week and the business was issued a stop-work order.
Quackenbush argued the order violates the Alaska Constitution and said the city has not shown evidence that the diner’s business practices contributed to the spread of the virus.
Superior Court Judge Eric Aarseth granted the city’s motion for a temporary injunction against Kriner’s during a telephone hearing Friday.
Kriner’s was open Saturday with a line of customers waiting outside. The restaurant was crowded all week with diners supporting its stand against the order.
Anchorage spokeswoman Carolyn Hall said in a statement that officials were disappointed the owners “continue to choose to flout the law” when they have the opportunity to make a case in court against the order.
Katie Payton of Blake Fulton Quackenbush Family Law said Saturday the firm had no comment other than calling the diner “a great client with a great business.”
Andy Kriner, who owns the diner with Norann Kriner, could not immediately be reached for comment following the contempt motion. Earlier Saturday, Kriner said half of the diner’s revenue would be lost with take-out service.
For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some — especially older adults and people with existing health problems — it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.
The number of infections is thought to be far higher because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick.
The Associated Press
