HOUGHTON — KMPD, Inc., the company that owns and operates the Rock House Grill & Tavern was hit with a $600 fine and a loss of their liquor license for 45 days Monday by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Liquor Control Commission.

“The primary question raised at the hearing is whether the Commission has the authority to sanction a licensee for violating a non-liquor-related order or statute,” Judge Michael St. John said in his ruling. “They do.”

St. John went on to conclude that since the Rock House received multiple warnings over the course of five days, the restaurant had ample chances to change how it handled the developing situation.

“The Licensee argued that multiple ignored warnings mean that there was no imminent threat,” said St. John. “This argument is rejected. The fact that the health department showed restraint and allowed the Licensee multiple warnings and opportunities to comply does not make the Licensee’s actions any less dangerous. The health department acting with restraint is to be commended; it is not evidence that the Commission’s summary suspension was not warranted. It was.”

St. John ruled that the Rock House “engaged in illegal acts on the licenced premises by remaining open for in person dining despite the Public Health Emergency Order not to do so.”

Should KMPD not pay the fine within 45 days from the mailing date of the order, they face an additional suspension of 30 days beyond the original 45-day suspension.