Hamden Police fined Funz Trampoline Park on Dixwell Avenue on Jan. 25 for violating COVID-19 rules after a brawl between two teenage girls caught on camera showed a large crowd surrounding them without social distancing.
Funz exceeded the state required limits on gathering size on Jan. 23, according to Quinnipiack Valley Health District Director Karen Wolujewicz.
“QVHD works in collaboration with municipal designees in the enforcement of sector rules,” Wolujewicz said. “The Hamden police issued an infraction ticket to the Funz Trampoline Park for violating the gathering size restrictions.”
Video surfaced on Facebook the morning after the incident, showing a large crowd of teenagers — most failing to wear a mask — clustered together as two girls brawled in the center. Funz security staff attempted to break up the fight, but eventually called Hamden Police when the situation escalated. New Haven Police also arrived on the scene to assist.
Hamden Police reported Funz’s occupancy violations to QVHD, who then approved the decision to fine the park. Under Gov. Ned Lamont’s protocol, which outlines the fines for businesses that violate social distancing rules, Hamden Police issued last year’s maximum fine of $500 to Funz.
Funz declined to respond to a request for comment on how they intend to better enforce COVID-19 rules going forward.
This is not the first time a Hamden business has been charged with violating COVID-19 restrictions. The State Department of Consumer Protection shut down Cafe Studio 1537 in December after it hosted a large party with over 100 people packed on the dance floor.
