Lakeside Diner In Lacey Reopens Against Murphy Orders: Reports

LACEY TOWNSHIP, NJ — A diner in Lacey Township is reportedly the latest business to reopen in violation of Gov. Phil Murphy’s executive orders.

The Lakeside Diner reopened late last week, and was quickly fined, NJ 101.5 reports. The diner was opened for inside dining, and the employees have taken several precautions, including having their temperatures taken, wearing masks and gloves, and spacing tables six feet apart.

Brian Brindisi, a Navy veteran, told News 12 he and his wife decided to reopen because he felt his constitutional rights were being violated. He said he felt his options were to open now or stay closed for good.

“I feel me being a veteran, if I didn’t do this, it would be a slap in the face to the men and women who fought overseas and lost their lives,” he told the news station.

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Brinidisi said he attended the rally held in Point Pleasant Beach in which business owners demanded Gov. Phil Murphy reopen the economy. Businesses deemed non-essential have been shut down since March as the governor attempted to stem the spread of the coronavirus. Read more here: Reopen NJ Protest Draws Crowd To Point Pleasant Beach

Gyms in Bellmawr and Hillsborough have violated the governor’s executive order in reopening, and the New Jersey Republican State Committee filed a lawsuit seeking to force Gov. Phil Murphy and his administration to allow small businesses to reopen amid the coronavirus crisis.

Murphy has already authorized the limited reopening of non-essential retail and said restaurants can resume outdoor dining, both effective June 15. Salons and pools are also among the businesses that will be able to reopen soon. Read more here: Gov. Murphy: NJ Pools To Reopen Amid Coronavirus: Here’s When