Virginia Business Owner Fights Powerful CV Mandates
Virginia Business Owner Fights Powerful CV Mandates
How is this still happening? And Will Governor Youngkin Step In?
A Virginia business owner is in the spotlight this week as he fights for his livelihood against state CV policies, even after everything we've learned in recent months about the virus.
We know countless people lost or incurred severe damage to their businesses in 2020 and 2021 due to these authoritative mandates.
But many of us are surprised to hear it's still an issue as some law enforcement agencies and government entities continue to cripple entrepreneurs as we head into '23.
During VA Governor Ralph Northam’s (D) reign, the state government destroyed and damaged commerce through the commonwealth.
But Matt Strickland, owner of Gourmeltz in Fredericksburg, refused to bend the knee.
As a result, the government raided his establishment last week and confiscated goods, even though it’s widely accepted that most CV policies did nothing good for public health.
How is this happening?
And will the newly elected Republican Governor, Glenn Youngkin, do anything about it?
What happened?
Before opening Gourmeltz, Strickland served in the US Army with tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Once discharged, the Soldier turned Virginia business owner opened the Gourmeltz food truck, which served the "grilled cheese on steroids," among other creative takes on American cuisine.
After expanding to a brick-and-mortar space, he obtained a liquor license to serve beer along with his Funnel Fries and hot wings. (You should check out the menu even if you’re states away. It’s a “90s Music and Drafthouse.”)
Anyway.
Under the rigid CV policies introduced by former Governor Northam, Strickland still allowed his customers to sit at the bar without masks and did not enforce social distancing.
In that way, dining at the draft house did feel like the 90s.
But as a result, Strickland lost his health permit in early 2021 following a lawsuit from the VA Attorney General.
Fortunately, a judge denied the state's request to close Gourmeltz and Strickland got his health permit back.
But the game wasn't over.
When a Virginia business owner loses their health permit, they also lose their liquor license, according to Strickland.
Still, The VA Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC) offered time for Strickland to appeal.
Yet a Circuit Court eventually favored the government, ruling that Gourmeltz must stop serving alcohol for 90 days starting November 15, according to WUSA.
In a plea to settle, ABC offered to cut the suspension to 15 days with a $4,000 fine plus investigative fees.
But Strickland didn't roll over.
So, the government placed its boot squarely on the veteran’s neck, knowing full well the proceedings weren’t justified and only served as punishment for a policy dissenter.
The Government Robs a Virginia Restauranteur
So, last Friday, ABC agents, along with state and local law enforcement, arrived at the 90s draft house with a search warrant to obtain business documents, such as alcohol sales records.
Strickland did not have an active liquor license, but the state needed proof that the restaurant broke the law as a Virginia business owner to later use in court.
Fortunately for us, the mistreated entrepenuer recorded the event while questioning the agents and officers serving the warrant, as they confiscated tens of thousands worth of alcohol, according to Strickland.
And just like the Nazis on trial at Nuremberg, the government enforcers said they were "just doing their jobs."
Full version here.
Strickland says that with high food prices, restaurants rely on alcohol sales to make a profit.
Until the alcohol is returned, with permission to sell it, profits will decrease during a time when cash flow is already waning, even with a liquor license.
Pardon me, Governor?
In response on Tuesday, Governor Youngkin signed an executive order requiring state agencies to disclose all CV penalties imposed on business owners by January 15.
But to translate the order, it basically says, “we’ll look into it.”
If the penalty reports are due Jan 15, then how long will it take to review, make a ruling, and return the man his alcohol so he can pay the bills?
Strickland’s suspension will be over two weeks after the reports are due on the governor’s desk.
People elected Youngkin to get away from these senseless laws and punishments, yet here we are, dealing with government red tape, even with a red governor.
Why do we have to wait for a government review of their mistakes?
Youngkin’s administration didn’t set these regulations, but they’re in control now.
Fix it.
Yesterday.
This situation is clearly nothing but political revenge from leftover leftists in control.
Give the man his liquor back.
If you can march in there and take it, then you can put it back.
This is dumb.
But we have procedures to follow.
Yes, exactly, this is why people have no faith in the government.
Youngkin also says he’s considering offering restitution to business owners, according to WUSA, which I wouldn’t bank on getting, but let’s stay hopeful.
But you’ll have to excuse us everyday Americans if we’re skeptical, given the events of the last few years.
Blind Support is Never Good
You know, over the years, I’ve heard people say things like “I love black people” or “I love gay people.”
Such ignorant statements are no different than saying one group is inferior to another.
Neither has any merit.
All groups are made of individuals, both good and bad.
And the same goes for Americans, doctors, underwater welders, and of course, the police.
In 2020 and 2021, many cops quit over mandates, and entire agencies refused to enforce CV restrictions.
And we applaud them for standing up.
But don’t forget, many officers would be happy to raid your business and further damage an already struggling income flow, essentially taking food out of people’s mouths.
Not for justice. Not for public health.
But “because they told me to, it’s my job.”
The people on the ABC board hold political grudges, and if they get an opportunity to get revenge, they'll take it.
Even if it means destroying a man's livelihood, stripping employees of a job, and denying citizens their chicken and waffles.
But many people would take the suspension and pay the fine.
And that’s why the government is allowed to continue this madness.
So let’s do what we can to support the Gourmeltz team and the overall cause.
How to Support Matt
As Strickland mentioned in his video, none of these insane CV measures would hold water if people stood up for what's right.
That goes for politicians, celebrities, and other business owners.
People have to do what they have to do to survive, but if the majority of people stepped up like Strickland, the government would have a harder time passing laws and policies that destroy American business.
If you're a Virginia business owner and any goons in the video appear at your shop or store, ask them to leave.
Let them know the people do not support their agenda, and "we're just doing our jobs” is a spineless copout.
But if you want to support Strickland further, and you’re a Virginian, consider voting for him for the Virginia Senate as he's running against Tara Durant for VA's 27th seat, where he aims to fight for American values.
Check out his campaign page here.
Here’s his Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.
Like me, Strickland says he was never a "political guy."
But as I've said, people like us didn't get into politics.
Politics got into us.