The owner of Marlena's Bistro & Pizzeria in Holland, Mich., Marlena Pavlos-Hackney, was arrested Friday after months of refusing to enforce COVID-inspired restrictions on her customers or staff, MLive reports.
Pavlos-Hackney kept her restaurant open after the state banned indoor dining in mid-November, and did not require her staff or customers to wear masks, both restrictions put in place by the state to curb the spread of COVID-19. She spoke to Tucker Carlson about keeping her place open, and how important freedom is to her, a Polish immigrant who has lived under a communist regime.
WATCH: Marlena Pavlos-Hackney kept her restaurant open during COVID-19 shutdowns in Michigan. She was told she had until yesterday to turn herself in to police. She appeared on Tucker Carlson to tell her story. pic.twitter.com/dODquyoZzx
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She was arrested early Friday morning on a warrant for contempt of court, after telling MLive that the police would have to come arrest her as she would not be turning herself in.
Pavlos-Hackney was also fined $7,500, and her food license was suspended.
A letter on her restaurant's door read, "Welcome. We are a Constitutionally Compliant Business. We are not infringing on anyone's inalienable rights. By law, we do not follow any of the governor's, mayor's, health department's, or other government agency orders or suggestions pertaining to social distancing or mask wearing. Your health is your responsibility."
It was Wednesday night, Pavlos-Hackney spoke to Tucker Carlson Tonight about the restrictions the state is attempting to put on her business.
Pavlos-Hackney, who immigrated to America 35 years ago, said the current situation "reminds me like I'm back in my country under communist regime."
"I'm gonna fight, and I'm not going to give up. [The judge] tried to put me in fear so I will follow her rules, which is I have to close my place and follow the rules and restrictions.
"It's not going to happen because we are the people, small business owners, we have to fight for our survival... and I will fight for freedom, for American people, and I encourage everyone... stand up and fight for your freedom before it's going to be taken away," Pavlos-Hackney told Carlson.
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