Boston Shuts Down Salt Bae's Restaurant For Violating Coronavirus Safety Guidelines
BOSTON (CBS) -- A Boston restaurant opened by international social media star "Salt Bae" has been shut down for violating COVID-19 safety guidelines. Nusr-Et, the trendy steakhouse on Arlington street, had only been open a week.
Video posted on Salt Bae's Instagram shows crowds gathered outside the restaurant when it opened. Nusr-Et had its liquor license suspended over the weekend for what the city calls "the existing and imminent threat to public health and public safety."
Bethany Patten is the President of the Bay Village Neighborhood Association, which is made up of about 1,300 residents.
"It was massive crowds, unmasked people congregating here along Arlington Street," she said.
The organization drafted a complaint letter to the city following the restaurant's opening on September 18th.
"It was just so disappointing because everybody is just trying to make it work and you can see it working all over the city in a great way," Patten said.
Inspectors responded to the establishment several times over the course of a week.
Boston Police Department inspection reports show the restaurant was cited for having long lines, which are not allowed during the pandemic. They were also cited for staff and patrons not wearing masks, among other things.
Staff could be seen coming and going from the restaurant Monday, but a manager was not willing to comment on the violations.
Nusr-Et has to pay a $300 fine and is going before the Licensing Board for an emergency hearing on Tuesday.
