CLEVELAND — Lago East Bank faced harsh criticism Saturday after images of its patio being packed with customers surfaced online. On Sunday, Lago issued a statement defending their operation, saying that they adhered to the state's guidelines.
"We believe we were able to provide a safe environment for all guests. The pictures are one moment, one angle, one second of time," Lago said in a press release.
While the restaurant admits, that there were times during their reopening that "tested the guidelines," they claim they acted immediately to rectify those situations.
Additionally, the restaurant highlighted the actions of their guest proclaiming they are not an enforcement agency. The restaurant called the task to mandate guest actions "largely unrealistic and exceedingly difficult."
Lago reiterated that they are committed to the health and safety of their workers and the community.
" We will continue to provide our guests the best dining experience possible while making sure best practices and guidelines are followed."
Read the full statement from Lago East Bank below:
Lago took great care to implement every guideline that has been set by the State of Ohio. All of our tables are properly spaced, and we have encouraged all of our guests to practice social distancing in line with state guidelines. There were times during our opening that tested those guidelines and we took immediate measures to thin the “crowded” areas. We believe we were able to provide a safe environment for all guests. The pictures are one moment, one angle, one second of time. It in no way accurately reflects the time, money & effort that was put into preparing our business in line with the state guidelines within a week’s time. We were operating at a limited capacity for two months and we were excited to welcome back our guests. The recent criticism certainly does not reflect the additional precautions that we implemented that go far beyond the Governor’s guidelines, but we understand and will continue to adjust as necessary.
With that being said, we do not believe it is necessarily our responsibility to “control” our guests. It proved to be largely unrealistic and exceedingly difficult. We are not an enforcement agency. If the state provides further mandates that we must follow, we will certainly enact and follow those mandates.
Let us be very clear, Lago is committed to ensure that the safety and welfare of our local community and staff is a top priority. We stand by that with our ongoing support of first responders through our Essential Meals program; delivering 1,000 meals a week currently. We will continue to provide our guests the best dining experience possible while making sure best practices and guidelines are followed. #LoveLago
Gov. Mike DeWine's office is aware of multiple reports of over-crowding at outdoor patios across the state. On Saturday, a statement was issued by DeWine's press secretary to 3News sister station 10TV in Columbus calling the business' actions "irresponsible," and warned legal actions could be taken if things do not change.
