The City of New Orleans issued a cease-and-desist order on March 1 for the immediate shutdown of the Republic NOLA bar (828 S. Peters St.) in the Warehouse District by the COVID-19 task force members with the Department of Public Works.

According to Winston Reid, Deputy Director of Code Enforcement, Republic NOLA was found non-compliant with the modified Phase Two guidelines, which went into effect on Friday, Feb. 26, at 9 a.m., which allow for indoor seating at 25-percent capacity at bars and restaurants.  More than 250 patrons were gathered inside the establishment on Sunday, Feb. 28, at approximately 12:15 a.m., and most attendees reportedly failed to wear facial coverings. In addition, bartenders were found serving alcohol past the 11 p.m. curfew.

Republic NOLA will be shut down until City officials allow them to reopen in writing. To request permission to reopen, the establishment must submit a plan to Tammie Jackson, Director of Safety and Permits, demonstrating compliance with modified Phase Two guidelines put in place by the City of New Orleans and the New Orleans Health Department.

Republic NOLA is among more than 13 businesses ordered closed since a citywide order to shutter bars was lifted following Mardi Gras. These include District, Red Eye, Sinai’s, Bourbon Bandstand, Brass Bourbon, Casa Honduras, Industry Bar & Kitchen, Fifth Quarter, The Prytania Bar, 711 Tchoupitoulas, and G7 Event Hall. TJ Quills and Cadi Corner were both approved for reopening.