(ETH) – The owner of a diner in New Jersey says he is expecting to be arrested, but it will not stop him from continuing to allow inside dining at his restaurant. Brian Brindisi, the owner of the Lakeside Diner stated:
“There are only two ways they’re going to get me out of here … in handcuffs or a body bag,” According to a report, Municipal court records reveal that a summons was issued on Monday for Brindisi allowing indoor dining, but not a warrant for his arrest.
There were reportedly at least two dozen people gathered in the parking lot of Lakeside Diner on Monday morning showing their support for Brindisi and his restaurant. the restaurant has continued to be defiant against the state’s ban on indoor dining.
Brindisi testified that shortly after 8 a.m., An officer from the Lacey Township Police Department had entered the diner and after a few minutes being inside, left. According to Brindisi, the officer entered the restaurant and asked if the owner was allowing indoor dining, which he said he does every day.
After the officer left, Brindisi was issued a summons on Monday for continuing to allow indoor dining. Brindisi has already been charged 13 times with violating Governor. Phil Murphy’s executive order banning indoor dining according to records and for every summons served to Brindisi, which is classified as a disorderly person violation, he faces up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine, according to state sentencing guidelines.
Law enforcement, acting on behalf of the state, even changed the locks on the diner hoping to repel the indoor dining taking place at the restaurant since early June. The owner stated that he has received multiple citations for continuing to allow indoor dining, but he has to continue to keep it open for him to be able to pay his bills and provide for his families.
