TACOMA, Wash. (AP) — The state has levied a large fine against a Graham gym that is defying Washington Gov. Jay Inslee’s orders meant to slow the spread of the virus.
Graham Fitness was accused of eight violations totaling $77,112 by the state Department of Labor & Industries on Friday for violating the mandate to temporarily close, The News Tribune reported . Owner Michael Knick is operating the business and vows to keep it open, despite the fines which amount to nearly $10,000 per day.
“They can fine me whatever they want,” Knick said Friday. “I don’t have it.”
The gym was ordered to shut down on Dec. 2. L&I issued an order and notice of immediate restraint to the business after complaints were received, according to L&I spokesman Tim Church. The fines issued Friday cover Nov. 30-Dec. 7.
“He had employees and continued to be open, putting them at risk,” Church said Friday.
The governor’s Safe Start orders prohibit gyms and fitness centers from operating. Knick says he’ll go out of business if he’s forced to close.
On Dec. 6, Knick posted on social media that employees are no longer working at the gym, which he said Friday means he doesn’t fall under L&I’s jurisdiction. Knick said he and the business take precautions against spreading COVID-19, but he does not enforce the use of masks at Graham Fitness.
L&I said it will be working with the state attorney general’s office and Inslee’s office to determine if further action is needed, Church said.
berysax on December 12nd, 2020 at 17:45 UTC »
Trillions on war, but zilch for mandatory closed businesses.
whyneedaname77 on December 12nd, 2020 at 15:31 UTC »
I feel bad for these businesses. It really is a catch 22. They are asking them to shut down for good reasons but not helping them out either. You see countries in Europe are giving businesses 70% of their income from the previous year during shut downs. Makes it easier to shut down that way.
jsinkwitz on December 12nd, 2020 at 14:43 UTC »
"Graham Fitness was accused of eight violations totaling $77,112 by the state Department of Labor & Industries on Friday for violating the mandate to temporarily close."
I'm sure there's a lot more backstory than what appears in the article, but I get the sense he had no intention of ever complying to any of the closure orders put forth (given he doesn't enforce masks either).