The Trumbull County Combined Health District met with the operators of Top Notch Diner Thursday morning to discuss the complaints received by the health district against the Cortland's diner. 

According to Trumbull Co. Public Health Inspector Kris Wilster who met with the restaurant operators, and Wilster said they were not receptive to the issue and refused to follow the state mandate of wearing a mask while in public.

The issues began last month when the restaurant posted a sign on the door of the establishment which states, "We will NOT force any mask/facial coverings at our establishment."

This goes against the state mandate which went into effect July 23 which states all individuals in the state of Ohio must wear facial coverings at all times when in any indoor location that is not a residence, outdoors and unable to remain socially distanced of six feet or more from non-household/family members, or waiting for, riding, driving, or operating public transportation or car services. The mandate states that masks must be worn unless actively consuming food or beverages while seated in a restaurant or bar.

At the meeting, according Trumbull Co. Public Health Inspector Kris Wilster stated that the restaurant is refusing to follow the state mandate and has turned the matter over to the county's legal counsel to determine the best course of action against the diner.

In a September interview with Top Notch owner Shonna Bland said, "My sign says I will not force anyone to wear a mask, and I will not force anyone to wear a mask. If you want to wear a mask, that's fine."