POINT PLEASANT – Anytime Fitness might need to rethink their name during the pandemic.
The gym, located on Route 88 in Point Pleasant, was open in defiance of the governor’s Executive Order to close businesses like this. The purpose of the order was to slow the spread of COVID-19 to a level that was manageable by the medical community.
Police said they gave the owner, Janice Lauria, numerous warnings since the beginning of March. On April 28, officers observed people entering a side door. Over the course of about an hour, people were seen leaving at various times. The front windows had been covered to prevent anyone from looking inside.
The police approached random people as they exited the gym, who admitted that they were working out and that the owner would open the side door for them.
Lauria was charged with four counts of violating the Executive Order, a disorderly persons offense. Each violation carries with it a fine of up to $1,000 and possible jail time.
