Restaurant that flouted virus rules wants license back

A restaurateur who flouted coronavirus restrictions and went on TV to air his grievances against Democratic Gov. Janet Mills has lost his appeal to reinstate his business license.

A hearing officer rejected an emergency appeal by Rick Savage and his brother Ron to continue operating Sunday River Brewing Company.

The hearing officer wrote in his 11-page decision that the restaurant “failed to correct violations by departmentally determined deadlines and repeatedly incurred the same type of violations despite technical assistance and guidance from the department,” the Sun Journal reported.

An attorney for the brothers accused the state of singling out the restaurant because of Rick Savage’s criticism of the governor’s emergency orders.

Savage, who opened his restaurant before being allowed to do so by the governor, attacked her polices on the Fox News show “Tucker Carlson Tonight” and gave out the governor’s personal cellphone number. Ron Savage said he’s now running the restaurant.

If Maine Health and Human Services Commissioner Jeanne Lambrew signs off on the hearing office’s ruling, then the decision can be appealed to Superior Court, the brothers’ attorney said.