Up to 400 people were inside an Elizabeth, N.J., strip club recently without many masks, in violation of Gov. Phil Murphy’s limits on indoor gatherings to reduce the spread of the coronavirus, the state said Wednesday.
The manager of Lookers Men’s Club on Dowd Avenue was issued a citation, New Jersey State Police Superintendent Col. Patrick Callahan said Wednesday during the state’s daily coronavirus briefing.
“Elizabeth (police) responded to Lookers, that reportedly had 300 to 400 people inside, many without masks,” Callahan said. The superintendent did not give further specifics of the police visit.
Elizabeth spokeswoman Kelly Martins did not respond to a request seeking additional information and the state Attorney General’s office referred all questions to local police. It’s unclear when the incident occurred, but Callahan said he was giving an update on the “past few days.”
A man who answered the phone at Lookers but declined to give his name said the manager was not immediately available to speak.
“We’re open for outdoor dining,” the man told NJ Advance Media. “The diner is open and we serve people outside.” (A diner adjoins the building.)
The governor earlier this month limited indoor gatherings to 25 people and pulled back in June on allowing indoor dining.
Murphy has threatened to shut down popular Jersey Shore bars after NJ Advance Media reported people were gathered in long lines without masks while awaiting a seat at bars that offer outdoor service.
New Jersey remains in Stage 2 of its plan to gradually lift coronavirus restrictions from March to fight the virus’ spread - which means gyms, movie theaters, and indoor dining sections of bars and restaurants remain closed until further notice.
Rebecca Panico may be reached at rpanico@njadvancemedia.com.
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