A town in southern New Jersey voted to revoke the mercantile license of a local gym after the owners repeatedly violated a state executive order to remain closed during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Bellmawr Borough Council voted 5-1 in favor of stripping the Atilis Gym’s license during a meeting Tuesday evening, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Ian Smith and fellow co-owner Frank Trumbetti first reopened the gym in mid-May in defiance of New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy’s order. They have argued that the safety restrictions were infringing on their constitutional rights. Smith posted a video on Instagram Monday in which he said they have been living inside the gym since the beginning of August when they broke down a plywood barricade.
“We will not be leaving. We have not left, and we will not allow them to construct a steel barricade in front of our place of private business,” Smith said.
Gyms in New Jersey are currently allowed to reopen outdoor spaces, but indoor spaces are ordered to remain closed. There are some exceptions for personal indoor instruction, according to the state’s website.
Late last month, Smith and Trumbetti were arrested and each charged with fourth-degree contempt, obstruction, and violation of a disaster and control act, but less than a week later, they reopened the gym to customers. They were released after appearing before a judge and have been ordered to reappear on Aug. 16.
The state’s attorney general has recommended a daily fine of $10,000 for every day the gym remains open and possible imprisonment for the owners.
