Norwich — The liquor license permittee at Billy Wilson’s Ageing Still was charged last Wednesday with violation of a public health emergency after police investigated an anonymous complaint that the facility was operating as a bar and not just as a restaurant with outdoor dining.

Sean Siefert, 36, of 6 Ford Place, the permittee, was charged May 20 with one count of a misdemeanor violation of a public health emergency. He is schedule to appear July 9 in Norwich Superior Court. The restaurant was not ordered to close, police said.

Billy Wilson’s Ageing Still at 57 Broadway was one of several downtown Norwich restaurants to reopen May 20 as allowed by the state in the first phase of eased restrictions of the COVID-19 partial state shutdown. The city assisted by closing off one lane of traffic on lower Broadway and loaning picnic tables and concrete barriers for outdoor seating.

Bars remain under a state closure order. Detective Lt. Chris Conley said police received an anonymous complaint that Billy Wilson’s was operating as a bar and, based on the police investigation and witness interviews, police found “probable cause” to issue the misdemeanor citation.

Sean Siefert and Billy Wilson’s owner Paul Siefert were not available for comment Tuesday.