KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Court proceedings are underway for a Blue Springs restaurant that initially refused to follow Jackson County's mask mandate then tried to circumvent it by opening as a private club.
The Jackson County Health Department first closed Rae's Cafe on Sept. 3 for repeated violations of the county's health order requiring masks.
It reopened as a "private club" the following day, requiring members to pay $1 for entry. No masks were allowed in the "dress code," according to a sign posted on the restaurant's door.
The county sought a court order last week to close the restaurant for its continued health protocol violations. The business' food establishment permit was also revoked.
The county health director again closed the cafe on Sept. 9.
Rae's owner Amanda Wohletz told KSHB 41 News after the first closure that she had no plans to cooperate and felt the county's order was hurting hospitality-industry businesses already negatively impacted by the pandemic.
More than 100 people gathered outside the cafe Saturday to show support, including Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt, who is running for U.S. Senate.
Monday, court proceedings begin in the case with a conference call between parties at 1 p.m.
A hearing has been scheduled regarding a temporary restraining order in the case at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday in Jackson County Circuit Court.
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Editor's Note: The lawyer representing Rae's Cafe initially gave KSHB 41 News incorrect information. This article has been updated to reflect today's proceedings.
