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The Alhambra Superior Court has scheduled a September 17th arraignment for Joseph Patrick Griffin, owner of local Irish pub Griffins of Kinsale. Griffin, 56, was cited on March 17th by South Pasadena Police Chief Joe Ortiz for violating the Los Angeles County Order for the Control of COVID-19.
Griffins of Kinsale opened its doors for their annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration the day after the County released their order on the 16th. Griffin claims to have been confused by the implementation of the order, as many of the city’s food-service business remained open on the 17th, and attempts to limit the dining room to 50% capacity were challenged by outside patrons loitering the establishment.
Chief Ortiz responded to multiple complaints, including one from a video posted to social media from physician Josh Albrektson, who accosted patrons confronted the bouncer outside the pub. On his third visit to the pub, Griffin was sited by Chief Ortiz and was ordered to close.
Griffin faces a maximum punishment of 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine if convicted.
Griffins of Kinsale has remained closed since St. Patrick’s Day and its future is unclear, though the police department says the pub can still operate as long as it follows county guidelines.
