Hogan warns bars, restaurants that it's "a crime" if they ignore ban on mass gatherings

A day after some bars enjoyed large St. Patrick's Day crowds despite coronavirus fears, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan reprimanded hospitality businesses that ignored the state ban on mass gatherings. It is critical to public health and safety that bars, restaurants, and other non-essential businesses across the state comply with the executive order prohibiting mass gatherings. Failure to follow this order is a crime, and will be enforced if businesses fail to comply,"  Hogan tweeted this afternoon.

Hogan added that establishment owners, employees and patrons who participated in such gatherings "must avoid any contact with family members or friends over the age of 60 or those with underlying health conditions."