South Pasadena bar owner charged with opening on St. Patrick’s Day during COVID-19 lockdown

PASADENA, Calif. - The owner of a South Pasadena bar is facing a misdemeanor charge for allegedly violating the county's coronavirus health order by opening the business on St. Patrick's Day, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office announced.

Joseph Patrick Griffin, 56, of Lake View Terrace, was charged last week with one count of violating the Los Angeles County health officer order, according to the District Attorney's Office.

Prosecutors allege the pub, Griffins Of Kinsale, opened its doors, served customers and offered live entertainment on March 17, during the order mandating the closure of non-essential businesses, including bars that
did not serve food.

FOX 11 spoke to Griffin over the phone where he said “It’s kind of a surprise to me. I was not aware of the court date. I opened like many others did.”

Griffin said he didn’t know about Wednesday’s court date and therefore didn’t show up. 

Griffin, who is set to be arraigned Sept. 17 at the Alhambra courthouse, could face up to 90 days in jail or a $1,000 fine if convicted of the charge, according to the District Attorney's Office.