A large crowd gathered outside of a recently shut down restaurant in New York to protest its closing this Wednesday.
What We Know:
- Since the shutdown of Mac’s Public House over violations of COVID-19 regulations, a massive crowd has gathered in protest. Residents contest that they should be able to dine if they want. The restaurant is located in Grand City, a coronavirus hotspot. Hospitalizations have been surging, and indoor dining has been shut down.
- Police arrested general manager Danny Presti for continuous violation of COVID-19 regulations. Patrons became protestors as Presti was escorted out of the restaurant in handcuffs. Presti was charged with disorderly conduct and various civil fines.
- In an interview with ABC7 owner, Keith McAlarney supported the violations because he believes the business wouldn’t survive another shutdown. McAlarney encourages other businesses to follow him, saying, “We are just trying to make a living and feed our families,” he said to ABC7. “We jumped through every hoop, did whatever they did. But at some point, you can’t just keep shutting down.”
- McAlarney talked about how business owners suffer based on their zone. “You can go to the top of that hill at Lincoln Avenue and Richmond Road, and you can go inside and eat,” he said. “But you can’t go inside my establishment and enjoy a cold beer and cheesesteak with friends and family.”
- McAlarney believes his business is being targeted, “Since 10 years old, everybody wanted to be fireman and cops, and I wanted to own a bar,” he said. “It’s being stripped from me.” He encourages all small businesses to fight back and protest to stay open, “If enough business owners throughout this city, state, country, open their doors and disobey these tyrannical orders, hopefully, they can get their businesses back, and we can get country back to where it needs to be.”
- Many New York residents are siding with the restaurant. Resident Chris Hunt said I’m a responsible adult. If I want to go in there. I should be allowed to go in there.” Staten Island Borough President candidate Leticia Remauro commented, “This man was arrested for trying to earn a living and trying to pay his taxes.” adding that the situation is “insanity.”
As we approach Christmas, the virus’s numbers surge, and more regulations are put into place. As of Friday, Mac’s Public House is still closed.
