How many COVID fines has the city of Fresno issued to businesses this year?

A Fresno sandwich shop received a $500 citation last month for violating the city’s emergency order relating to the coronavirus pandemic.

It was the first — and only, so far — citation handed out by the city this year.

Sandwich Works on Ashlan Avenue near First Street was issued the citation Jan. 22 for violating the city’s orders on social distancing, according to a list obtained from the city Thursday. It was the second citation for the businesses, which received a $250 fine in December.

The city’s Code Enforcement Unit investigates businesses on a complaint-only basis and provides a notice to the business or property prior to issuing any citation.

“Gaining voluntary compliance is our number one priority,” said Rodney Horton, with the Fresno City Attorney’s Office.

So far, the city has received 2,501 complaints about social distancing violations. Of those, the city has given out 1,485 notices.

That includes Fresno’s Adventure Church.

The church, which had been operating in person inside the Tower Theatre, was given a notice along with a $250 citation that required the church to “immediately cease all community and religious assembly uses.” The citation was for zoning regulations related to the theater and not any COVID violations, Horton said.

The church last week moved a planned concert to the Cornerstone Church and on Sunday held services online.

Since April, the city has issued nearly $90,000 in citations to dozens of businesses, though the majority were given out before Thanksgiving. In fact, just three citations have been issued since Dec. 6, when Gov. Gavin Newsom instituted a stay-at-home order for the region.

Along with Sandwich Works, The Waffle Shop was issued a $1,000 citation on Dec. 11 and The Iron Office Gym was given a $250 fine Dec. 16.

The city would rather educate owners and managers “to ensure the health and safety of employees and customers,” Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer said in a statement to The Bee.

“In light of the devastating financial impact to businesses during the pandemic, the City of Fresno is seeking voluntary compliance from business owners in lieu of fines.”

COVID complaints can be made through the FresGO App or by calling 559-621-8400.

This story was originally published February 8, 2021 at 1:42 PM.