Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - Governor Glenn Youngkin has issued an executive order, requiring a statewide review of Covid-19 penalties imposed by his predecessor, Governor Ralph Northam (D). This follows an Alcohol Beverage Control Authority search of a Spotsylvania restaurant on Friday. Gourmeltz's owner Matt Strickland opposed the Northam Administration's Covid regulations.
In November, the Spotsylvania Circuit Court issued a final order suspending Gourmeltz's alcohol licenses for 90 days. This was after the ABC found in 2021 that Gourmeltz and Strickland willfully ignored laws requiring licensees to conform to local health requirements.
Youngkin also says he will direct agencies to halt further collection of fines, as well as enforcement actions, related to shutdown violations, in his upcoming budget proposal. The proposal comes out December 15th. He also will direct the Secretary of Finance to develop a reimbursement process.
Youngkin also takes a shot at the Northam Administration, saying "while we can't undo the damage done during the Northam Administration, we are taking action going forward to end COVID-era draconian overreach." The Northam Administration issued Covid regulations that limited capacity, among other things, in an attempt to limit the spread of Covid.
Youngkin had been receiving criticism from some conservatives for not acting after the Gourmeltz raid. It should be noted Strickland is running for the State Senate next year.
