Photo: Mystie Salbert
A months-long dispute between a popular sports bar and the City of Burbank came to an end Tuesday morning after the owners of Tinhorn Flats were evicted from the property by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
Tinhorn Flats attracted controversy during the pandemic after the owners refused to close its doors in defiance of L.A. County's health and safety orders.
"Today, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department turned over possession of the Tinhorn Flats’ building and property to the property owner, Isabelle Lepejian, as the last step in the eviction process she initiated against Tinhorn Flats," Burbank officials wrote in a press release issued Tuesday morning.
"The property owner was granted a writ of possession, and her right to enter and occupy the property pursuant to the writ of possession is accomplished by the Sheriff placing the property owner in possession, which occurred this morning."
The eviction is a separate issue from a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction that was issued by an L.A. County judge after the owners continued to operate the bar despite the revocation of its health permits and Conditional Use permit.
The county and city actions took place after numerous complaints were received about Tinhorn Flats continuing to offer outdoor dining on its patio in violation of the applicable health officer orders at a time when COVID-19 cases were soaring in the area and such activity was banned in Los Angeles County.
In an interview with the New Yorker, owner, Baret Lepejian said officials were attempting to take his business away.
"Honestly, if the rules came straight from God, I wouldn't do it," Lepejian said.