State files for injunction against Puyallup gym hosting protest against stay-home orders
The state is suing the Puyallup gym protesting the COVID-19 “stay at home” orders after the business allegedly ignored a cease-and-desist letter.
The Washington Office of the Attorney General announced Tuesday that it is seeking an injunction against two gyms: The Northwest Fitness Co. and a Snohomish County gym, PA Fitness.
A state investigator served the Puyallup gym on 4301 S. Meridian a cease-and-desist letter on Friday, the complaint said. The letter contends the gym was “open in violation of the Governor’s Proclamation.” The letter ordered the business to close within 48 hours.
The investigator confirmed on Monday that the fitness gym still was open and members were seen working out, the complaint filed with the Pierce County Superior Court said.
The gyms’ owners did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The News Tribune. As of Wednesday, the gym has been closed. The front doors state that the protest has been temporarily halted.
The state claims the Puyallup gym has violated the Consumer Protection Act three times.
The state contends the gym has an unfair advantage over its competitors which are complying with Gov. Jay Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” proclamation, is violating the stay-home orders for businesses deemed “non-essential,” and that by opening, this business “is injurious” to the public’s interest.
If the gyms close within 24 hours of the complaint filed Monday, the state said it would not seek fines. If the suits head to court and the state prevails, both gyms would be mandated to close and comply with the governor’s orders, based on the state’s requests listed in the complaint.
The Puyallup gym could also be forced to pay a fine up to $6,000.
‘Exercise your rights’
Northwest Fitness Co. opened its doors on May 5 to allow members to work out in protest of the orders that all non-essential businesses close to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus, or COVID-19.
Gym owners Mike Baker and Shane Cowhig have insisted that the business was not open but rather a space for an indoor protest. The gym’s website says it is not open.
“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 website offers three “protest specials” for those who join the gym during the protest.
In a previous story, Baker said the protests would continue until the restrictions have been lifted.
Puyallup Police told The Puyallup Herald they had sent a report to the state for action, after warning the business that they were violating Inslee’s orders.
“They had people exercising and not social distancing or wearing masks, all in violation with the governor’s orders,” Capt. Dan Pashon said.
This story was originally published May 19, 2020 at 2:10 PM.
