The restaurant owner refuses to comply with COVID guidelines
A restaurant owner in Spotsylvania County refuses to follow the COVID-19 guidelines. Matt Strickland says he doesn’t need to be told what to do and is defending his rights.
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. (FOX 5 DC) – Spotsylvania County health officials have suspended a restaurant license in Virginia for failing to comply with COVID-19 rules, but the owner says it will remain open anyway.
According to a report on Fredericksburg.com, Matt Strickland, the owner of Gourmeltz at Cosner’s Corner, posted a video on YouTube telling customers that he would not close his place of business.
Download the FOX 5 DC News app for local breaking news and weather
“The bottom line is that the governor said that – so you have to comply with those mandates,” said Strickland in the video. “I told him politely – I said that I am no longer in the army, I am not going to do something just because you tell me to do it. Now I am a civilian and if you want me to do something, it has to make sense and you don’t need to infringe constitutional rights and must be legal. “
Health officials say they went to the restaurant for the first time in December, after complaints about the lack of social distance and employees who did not wear masks, according to Fredericksburg.com. They say they are working with other state agencies to determine the next step.
Spotsylvania County restaurant owner says it will remain open after license suspended for COVID-19 violations
Spotsylvania County health officials have suspended a restaurant license in Virginia for failing to comply with COVID-19 rules, but the owner says it will remain open anyway.