Thirteen restaurants, including Jimmy’s Roadhouse in Newaygo, have been cited for violating a COVID-19 related public health order.
Jim Cory, owner of Jimmy's Roadhouse has been fined the minimum of $1000.
Individual fines for violating the public health order, which prohibits indoor dining, can go up to $11,000.
Cory's liquor license has also been suspended for defiance of the state health department order.
But Cory says it is his duty to keep Jimmy's Roadhouse open for the diners.
Cory is protesting what he calls the 'Draconian rules by a tyrannical governor.'
“The message I want to say is exactly what Thomas Jefferson said: When tyranny becomes law, like it has right now, rebellion becomes duty,” Cory said in an interview.
"It is your duty to fight against all opponents of our constitution foreign and domestic, and right now I feel it is the duty of all restaurant and bar owners."
Drawing a comparison to the American Revolution, Cory further said, “It’s our duty because our country was formed in the bars and the restaurants and taverns. Public houses,’’ Cory said. “It’s public discourse. Public discourse formed our country and our governor doesn’t want us to have public discourse.’’
Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association confirms more than 2000 restaurants have closed since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
Kent County Health Department is reminding everyone to stay safe at home to protect everyone.
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