Restaurant owner Marlena Hackney tells panel she was arrested and had license revoked after defying COVID rules; AG emails cited

Marlena Hackney, owner of Marlena’s Bistro in Holland, told the Oversight Subcommittee on Weaponization of State Government that state enforcement actions including a license suspension and an arrest followed her decision not to enforce COVID-19 mask and distancing orders at her restaurant.

Helen Brinkman, who identified herself as Hackney’s attorney, opened Hackney’s testimony by saying the case shows “the problem with the health department” and the risks of unelected administrators exercising broad control. Hackney said she initially complied with rules, posted signage explaining her policies and reopened in June 2020; she said she later refused to close when the governor extended emergency restrictions.

Hackney described receiving a corrective action plan from the local health department in early December and, on Dec. 12, being served a cease-and-desist order in her restaurant by two health department employees accompanied by two Holland police officers. She said no…