Aggieville O’Malley’s shut down for violating coronavirus rules

MANHATTAN, Kan. (KSNT) – Riley County health officials ordered an Aggieville bar to shut down Saturday for not following the mask ordinance and serving drinks at the counter.

O’Malley’s Alley allowed people Friday to have drinks standing at the counter and not wear face masks, according to an investigation by Riley County police and the Riley County health officer, and complaining residents. Both violate the city’s Local Health Order 18.

This is not the first time the bar has faced penalties, as Riley County police gave it a citation August 14 for violating the mask ordinance.

Visitors of Aggieville had differing opinions on the health department’s decision.

“It makes me personally feel a lot safer knowing that our community is taking these precautions. It makes it easier to know that I can go out and be safe and not contract coronavirus,” said Kayley Hollywood, a Kansas State University student.

However, others thought O’Malley’s should be able to remain open.

“People got to make a living, they got families to feed. Like a lot of businesses, a lot of people are hurting, they got to pay their rent,” said Jerry Jarvis, an Aggieville customer.

“The people’s choice. If they want to go in their with no mask, then they should be able to go in there with no mask. That’s how I feel about it,” said Teresa Jarvis, another Aggieville customer.

The Riley County Health Department said the order to close would remain in effect “until such time as O’Malley’s can comply with Order 18 or any subsequent order.” It said they were unsuccessful in getting the bar to follow the order Friday.

“The intent was to keep businesses open and allow activity to happen as long as it is done in a safe manner,” said Riley County Health Officer Julie Gibbs in a statement. “I recognize the strain this has put on everyone, and that people and businesses are suffering. The more we can work together to get through this – the quicker we can get back to normal.”

O’Malley’s has not publicly responded to the order to close as of Saturday afternoon. KSNT News reached out to them for a response and was denied.