Fitness Club in RI Defies Shutdown - Hit With Citations & Ordered Closed by State, But Staying Open
Wednesday, December 02, 2020
The Rhode Island Department of Business Regulations issued immediate compliance orders to “Maxx Fitness Clubzz” in Warren and Lincoln on Tuesday for being open during the state’s “pause” — and ordered them closed.
The gyms’ owner, however, said they are going to stay open -- despite being issued $500 citations for not following the rules.
“We are open. I believe the orders are arbitrary,” said owner Matt D’Amico. “There’s no science and data [behind their decision] — we’ve taken all the proper precautions. At the end of the day, the financial damage to us to the company is irreparable.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTRhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo had ordered “all indoor sporting facilities, gyms, and all fitness classes” to be closed during the two week pause.
“It is hereby ordered, that Respondent is to immediately close all indoor operations until such time as the requirement set forth in Executive Order 20-100, and any successor Executive Order thereto, that gyms and fitness centers cease indoor operations is lifted,” the order reads.
Owner Defies State
D’Amico — who owns nine locations throughout New England — said he believes the state’s orders are “unconstitutional” and has no plans to close.
“I don’t think people understand the financial damages — it could be in the seven figures,” said D’Amico. “I don’t think it’s a two-week shutdown for starters — remember there was a two-week shutdown in the spring. You just can’t recover — the rent still has to be paid and obligations have to be met. And a lot of people haven’t come back.”
D’Amico did not say whether he plans on paying the state’s fines. “I will leave that up to future decisions,” he said.
“We all get to make choices,” he said. “This is the United States.”
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