Frosty Factory’s license suspension over

LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - The Frosty Factory’s bar license has been reinstated after the owner worked out an agreement with the state.

The bar plans to reopen its drive-thru window on Monday.

Frosty Factory’s license could have been suspended for 30 days, but that was reduced to 15 days and they were given credit for already being closed for seven days. The bar’s license was initially suspended by Alcohol and Tobacco Control on July 27.

Frosty Factory was fined $1,250 but only has to pay $250 unless it is found to be in violation of Gov. John Bel Edwards’ COVID-19 orders again.

Owner Mike Branch says the two infractions were because they misread a date by which they could hold karaoke and because they let four customers watch an Astros game on the bar’s TV.

“None of our violations were being defiant to any of the proclamations or edicts that were established by our governor at this particular time,” Branch said. “All of our mistakes were strictly just honest mistakes.”

“We will open up a drive-through only. No one will be allowed inside except the employees. They will be required to wear masks.”

Though Branch said he’s pleased with how it’s working out, some feel small businesses suffer unfairly as attorney Joseph Long told the ATC Commissioner in the hearing.

“We believe the state is picking winners and losers in this pandemic,” Long said. “The little man who is just trying to feed his family is shut down, the big casinos, who make a lot of money for the state are allowed to operate. Restaurant bars are allowed to operate. We do not understand. We don’t think the pandemic knows the difference between a restaurant bar and a regular bar. And we are confused about the selective enforcement of the executive order.”

Commissioner Ernest Leger said they would have to agree to disagree.

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