LACEY, NJ — Authorities say they changed Lakeside Diner’s locks early Friday morning since the owner has repeatedly defied Gov. Phil Murphy’s ban on indoor dining and received several citations.
The Ocean County Sheriff’s Office assisted Lacey police Friday morning at the request of the County Prosecutor’s Office, according to Sheriff Michael G. Mastronardy. Lacey police did not immediately return comment.
“I just got off the phone with the owner of the diner, Brian (Brindisi),” Mastronardy told Patch. “He assured me that our officers treated him with the respect that he did them.”
Mastronardy did not address what happened after authorities took the action.
“With us, there’s no issues,” he said. “But we’re responsible for assisting law enforcement agencies, whether it’s ICE or the Prosecutor’s Office.”
Judith M. Persichilli, New Jersey’s Department of Health commissioner, issued a closure order Aug. 13. A temporary restraining order was issued against the diner, according to state officials.
State officials said the measure wasn’t an “intimidation tactic,” but Murphy said authorities are sending a message.
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