Bronson Stocking highlights at TownHall.com one pub owner’s response to COVID-19 lockdowns. It mimics a successful left-wing political tactic.
A clever bar owner in New York City is borrowing a tactic from left-wing anarchists in an ongoing spat with the government over coronavirus lockdown restrictions. The pub, located in Staten Island, declared itself an “autonomous zone” as a new ban on indoor dining at bars and restaurants took effect on Wednesday.
The New York Post reported on Saturday that a sign outside Mac’s Public House in Grant City read, “!ATTENTION! We hereby declare this establishment an !!!AUTONOMOUS ZONE!!!”
“We refuse to abide by any rules and regulations put forth by the Mayor of NYC and Governor of NY State,” the message continued.
Despite a shutdown order from the state Health Department and multiple $1,000 fines, the bar owners are refusing to close their doors. …
… The New York Post reports that a small group of patrons mostly wearing face masks frequented the bar on Saturday. The bar was appearing to exploit a loophole in Cuomo’s executive order by not charging customers for drinks.
“I totally support what he is doing. I don’t support the tyrannical nonsense they have in place,” Keith Atherholt, who left a $100 tip for a glass of water, told the Post. “I gave them $100 for this water. They didn’t charge me. I gave it to support them.”
State agencies have pulled licenses as an enforcement measure against business owners flouting lockdown orders.
A drinkery in Kentucky selling both coffee and alcohol had its alcohol license suspended by the state’s Alcohol Beverage Control agency (ABC) earlier this week after failing to comply with COVID-19 restrictions. …
… In June, left-wing loons in Washington seized part of Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood and declared several blocks of the city to be an “autonomous zone,” free of government control.