BELLMAWR, N.J. (WCBS 880) – Officials have voted to rescind the license of a southern New Jersey gym that has repeatedly defied a state order to remain closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Bellmawr Borough Council voted 5 to 1 on Tuesday to act against the Atilis Gym.
The gym's co-owners have vowed to continue their fight to stay in business.
The gym and its owners have been cited at least nine times since opening the doors in May, setting off a legal battle over whether Gov. Phil Murphy’s order for non-essential businesses to remain closed was constitutional.
The owners filed a lawsuit, arguing the governor "arbitrarily" deemed some businesses essential while declaring others non-essential.
Last month, the owners were arrested on contempt and other charges.
The owners have said they taped off workout stations and were operating at limited capacity to ensure social distancing, and implemented other safety measures, including temperature checks and requiring gymgoers to wear masks.