Gym Fined Nearly $10K per Day for Defying COVID-19 Orders
The owner of a gym in Graham, Washington, has vowed to remain open despite a series of hefty fines levied by the state for disobeying Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee’s restrictions intended to slow the spread of COVID-19.
According to the News Tribune, “Graham Fitness was hit with eight violations totaling $77,112 by the state Department of Labor & Industries on Friday for violating the Safe Start mandate to close up shop.” The outlet described the penalty as the state’s “largest pandemic fine to date,” noting that the total breaks down to $9,639 per day.
“They can fine me whatever they want,” owner Michael Knick told the News Tribune on Friday. “I don’t have it.” . . .
BREAKING: #KingInslee's bureaucrats slap another brave biz owner with restraining order.
"They could fine me a million $$/a day what does it matter if my business is going to shut down if I shut down?"#masktyranny #OpenWashington@OlympiaJoe @TJMartinell @theolympian pic.twitter.com/2c1SZNAW0S
— Freedom Foundation (@FreedomFdtn) December 2, 2020
According to Knick, his gym has some coronavirus protocols in place, but does not require members to wear face coverings. Knick said he believes the state agency targeted his business because he has collaborated with the Freedom Foundation, a nonprofit that has filed lawsuits in Washington and other states in response to overreaching coronavirus mitigation policies. (Read more from “Gym Fined Nearly $10K per Day for Defying COVID-19 Orders” HERE)
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