1
8
Staten Island bar owner Keith McAlarney has declared what he calls an "autonomous zone" outside his bar, Mac's Public House.
He says they will not be complying with any public health restrictions issued by Gov. Andrew Cuomo or Mayor Bill de Blasio.
And despite being hit with hefty fines, stripped of their liquor license and the state health department issuing a cease and desist order, the pub remains open.
"We have no faith in our government at this point to unnecessarily lock us down based on numbers they are putting out and putting it on the burden of small businesses," McAlarney said.
Signs saying "autonomous zone" now cover the outside of the Grant City bar.
Mac's Public House is in Staten Island's "orange zone," which prohibits indoor dinning. But on Sunday, there were patrons inside drinking and eating.