Local Restaurant Joins Legal Claim for Fee Refunds Over COVID Closures

By Jim Jakobs

California restaurants have unified to file a claim seeking a refund for state and local fees, including for liquor licenses, health permits, and state tourism assessments. One of those involved is Vino Grille & Spirits in northeast Fresno.

What could soon follow is a class action lawsuit involving many more establishments in Fresno County.

The claims come as restaurants across the state face unprecedented challenges to stay open and maintain cash reserves in the COVID-19 era.

“They did what they were told by the governor all the way down to local county officials. But at the same time, the same government that told them to close is telling them that they are required to pay their fees,” said plaintiff attorney Brian Kabateck to GV Wire℠ by Zoom. “We are going to be filing a claim in Fresno County very shortly, if not today, probably tomorrow.” Read full article here.