Puyallup police send report to state about gym protesting Inslee’s stay-home orders
Puyallup police sent a report to the state this week about a gym protesting Gov. Jay Inslee’s stay-home orders.
As of May 5, Northwest Fitness Co. members can participate in a sit-in by working out. The protest is daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday
The gym has been closed since March 16, in compliance with Inslee’s order that “non-essential” businesses shut down to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Co-owner Mike Baker told The Puyallup Herald the sit-in would continue until the restrictions are lifted, but he and co-owner Shane Cowhig declined to comment further.
Puyallup police received several complaints and talked to the business owners, Capt. Dan Pashon told The Herald.
“They had people exercising and not social distancing or wearing masks, all in violation with the governor’s orders,” Pashon said.
The police department sent an incident report to the Office of the Attorney General to review for action, Pashon said.
Spokesperson for the state attorney’s office, Brionna Aho, said the office is aware of the situation and in communications with the city.
Baker said they are taking more safety precautions than a grocery store. Both owners insist the gym is not open, and they are not charging members monthly payments, according to a Facebook post.
“We are not, I repeat not, taking monthly payments out during this protest. We are not opening. We are just inviting members to participate in the protest,” the statement on Facebook said.
The gym is offering “protest specials” to those who sign up.
Pashon said it’s a difficult spot for law enforcement because officers understand the frustration of business owners trying to survive. Police are not aware of any other Puyallup business in clear violation of the statewide COVID-19 orders.
“The governor has issued a law, so we will take action as necessary,” Pashon said. “We understand how people are feeling, but the law is the law. It’s been enacted for the health of the community.”
The gym stated on Facebook that all businesses should be open and fully-functional.
“We have been classified as ‘non-essential’ and are forced to stay closed until 1 person decides that we matter,” the Facebook statement said. “We have been silent long enough. We have given plenty of time. We have sacrificed everything we can. We are getting no help. We have to stand up. We will not go out without a fight.”
